Protective role of acacia nilotica extracs and silymarin against mutagenic and hepatic injuries induced by 2-butoxyethanol in male mice

ABSTRACT

2-Butoxyethanol [2-BE] is a clear colorless liquid that smells like ether. It is used as a solvent in spray lacquers, varnishes, varnish removers, herbicides, liquid soaps, cosmetics, industrial and household cleaners, and dry-cleaning compounds. 2-BE causes cellular damage via formation of reactive oxygen species. Acacia nilotica [A.nilotica] leaf extract exhibited significant antimutagenic and DNA-protective effects against oxidative damage due to the presence of alkaloids, volatile essential oils, phenols and phenolic glycosides; it is considered an excellent free radical scavenging antioxidant owing to the high number of hydroxyl groups. Silymarin [SIL] is a standardized mixture of antioxidant flavonolignans [silybin and silibinin]. Silybum marianum [Milk thistle] family Asteraceae is an ancient medicinal plant from which SIL is extracted. It is a free radical scavenger and a membrane stabilizer that prevents lipid peroxidation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of extracts of A.nilotica leaves and SIL on the toxicity of 2-BE