This study evaluated the toxicity of citric acid and the benefits of soya milk (SM) for preventing damage in mice. Thirty‐five mice were divided into groups: control, mice administered citric acid (CA group) for 30 days, mice administered SM before the administration of citric acid for 30 days (SM + CA group), mice administered citric acid for 15 days and left for recovery (R group), and mice in recovery receiving SM for 15 days (R + SM). Mice in CA and R groups displayed downregulated p53, increased cleavage of caspase 3, and upregulation of Nrf2, CYP1A1, ALT, and AST activity in the liver. In contrast, SM + CA and R + SM treated mice were protected against CA toxicity and showed reversal of p53 downregulation, reduced cleavage of caspase 3, downregulation of Nrf2, and an increase in liver function enzymes. SM administration also restored blood cell and hemoglobin content and general histology of hepatocytes.
Practical applications
CA causes liver damage, increases inflammation, decreases blood cell numbers, and induces apoptosis. Some natural products, such as SM, have been used to scavenge free radicals that can cause liver damage and hemolysis. This study focuses on the effectiveness of SM in ameliorating CA toxicity and may be helpful in the food industry for managing oxidative stress that may be induced by common dietary constituents. SM may help suppress liver damage and inflammation.