Effect of Feeding Cake Fortified with Different Concentrations of Ashwagandha Root against Sodium Arsenite Toxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

n ayurvedic medicine, herbal plants as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) were used as a powerful plant to cure many of diseases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of fortified cake by different concentrations of ashwagandha root powder against sodium arsenite induced toxicity in rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing (120 ± 10g).Rats classified into to five groups (6 rats). The first group was kept as a negative control and fed on the basal diet only. Other four groups were administered sodium arsenite at a single dose of 5 mg/kg/day to induce toxicity injury. One of these groups left as positive control (group 2). The third group was treated with 100% wheat flour fortified cake. The fourth group was treated with 10 % ashwagandha powder fortified cake. The fifth group was treated with 20 % ashwagandha powder fortified cake. Laboratory analysis showed that fortification with ashwagandha inhibited the levels of liver injury biomarkers, also improved the kidney function enzymes. These results suggested that ashwagandha has a powerful antioxidant effect which can reduce organ injury through its ability by scavenge the free radical.