Costus root aqueous extract modulates rat liver toxicity, DNA damage, injury, proliferation alterations induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon

Ethephon (Ethrel®) is an ethylene-based plant growth regulator that used in agriculture and it has direct and indirect effects on human health, direct effect via its inhalation during usage in agriculture and indirect effect through the diet (Fruits and vegetables) that is sprayed with it. The current study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (Saussurea lappa) root aqueous extract against Ethephon induced liver toxicity, injury, DNA fragmentation and PCNA alterations in male rats. Fifty adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (1st, control; 2nd, Costus; 3rd, Ethephon; 4th, Post treated Ethephon with costus; 5th, self-healing Ethephon). Current results revealed that; a significant increase in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver injury, DNA damage and PCNA expressions in Ethephon group when compared with control group. In contrast; a significant decrease in albumin and total proteins in Ethephon group when compared with control group. Treatment of rats with costus after Ethephon improved these alterations as compared with Ethephon self-healing. So, it could be concluded that costus root extract worth to be considered as a natural substance for ameliorating the hepatic toxicity induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon.

Costus Root Extract Alleviates Blood Biochemical Derangements of Experimentally-Induced Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism in Mice

Objectives: Thyroid hormones regulate all metabolic activities; therefore, it is not amazing that hepatic; renal dysfunctions and lipid alterations are commonly detected in patients with thyroid disorders. This study estimated some biochemical changes in post pubertal hyperthyroid and hypothyroid mice and their impacts on liver and kidney functions and also on changes in the lipid pattern. In addition, the ameliorating role of Costus root extract supplementation was examined. Material and Methods: A total of 60 male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into 5 groups; control, control with costus extract, hypo- and hyper-thyroids post-treated with costus root extract. Results: Present results revealed that, a significant increase in serum thyrotropin (TSH), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, potassium, chloride, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in hypothyroid mice compared to control. On the other hand; a significant decrease in serumthyroxine (T4), tri‐iodothyronine (T3), albumin, total protein and calcium ions levels in hypothyroid mice compared to control. In contrast to hypothyroidism, a significant increase in serum T3, ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride and total proteins levels in hyperthyroid mice compared to control. On the other hand; a significant decrease in serum TSH, T4, albumin, calcium ions cholesterol and triglycerides levels in hyperthyroid mice compared to control. Treatments of mice with Costus root extract in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism modulates the measured serum parameters. Conclusions: Our results could propose that the extract of Costus roots can be used as an adjuvant co-therapy in hypo- and hyperthyroidism syndromes with propylthiouracil and Eltroxin replacement therapy, respectively