Toxicological effects of quinalphos and its subsequent reversal by using root extract of withania somnifera and leaf pulp of aloe barbadensis.

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Withania somnifera and Aloe barbadensis in pesticide-induced toxicity. Quinalphos (QP) at a dose of 14mg/kg body weight in male wistar rats for 15 days produced a reversible type of liver and kidney necrosis characterized by altered levels of various biochemical enzymes and endogenous antioxidants. Treatment with W. somnifera and A. barbadensis extracts resulted in a significant protective effect in QP-intoxicated hepatic and renal damage, as evidenced by diminished levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP, LDH, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and creatinine, and enhanced levels of total protein and albumin which were affected by quinalphos intoxication. Elevated levels of malondial-dehyde (MDA) and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney also significantly declined after the treatment with the extracts. Further, the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity also returned to normal. This clearly indicates that the ethanolic extract of W. somnifera and aqueous extract of Aloe barbadensis can afford protection from QP-induced toxicity.

Effect of repeated oral administration of quinalphos to male goat (Capra hircus).

Quinalphos given in daily oral doses of 0.5 mg/kg for 110 days induced severe signs of organophosphorus poisoning in male goats. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in erythrocyte was highly significant. The activity of liver glutamic; oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic; pyruvic.transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and protein indicated marked alteration. The haematological changes were however, relatively less significant with the exception of a very low count of red blood cells and white blood cells in the treated animals. Among the vital organs, only liver suggested mild cellular changes due to quinalphos intoxication. There was no significant pathological change in other organs of the treated animals. In animals observed after 15 and 30 days rest, the activity of acetylcholinesterase in red blood cells and haematological picture showed a fairly good recovery. This study suggests that although quinalphos in low concentrations did not produce discernible cellular changes, it induced highly significant enzymatic and haematological changes in the goat.