Achillea Biebersteinii (AB): Shield Against DM-Induced Oxidative Damage

Organophosphate (OP) compounds consist of most poisonous chemicals and are being employed in agriculture to cope with pests. Some of them are also used as ectoparasiticides to cure certain diseases. It was reported that OP insecticides leave destructive impacts on many organs and systems^1,2. Dimethoate (DM), which is the most significant OP insecticide, is extensively used against pests. According to some investigations, DM toxicity leads towards oxidative stress by generating free radicals and persuade hepatic lipid peroxidation in rat³, guinea pig⁴, rabbit⁵ and mice⁶. Like OPs, the DM, restrains the AChE activity in which acetylcholine accumulates and inhibits the normal transmission of nerve impulses causing continuous stimulation of the muscles, glands and the CNS which ultimately leads towards death⁷.

These issues can be handled by using medicinal plants having natural antioxidants because of which oxidative damage (caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) gets sluggish. Achillea biebersteinii (Ab) is one of the vital medicinal plants which are utilized globally. It is extensively utilized in Yemeni’s folk medication as analgesic, antipyretic, against diarrhea and flatulence as well as for liver ailments. Their extracts possess pharmacological attributes including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, diuretic, against diarrhea, hypoglycemic, anthelmintic and anti-bacterial remedies^8,9. Currently, Varasteh-Kojourian and colleagues¹⁰ reported that Ab extracts exhibit amazing antioxidant activity. Therefore, it can be stated that plant extracts possess a huge potential against oxidative stress produced by pesticide intoxication.

Accordingly, Yahya Saleh Al-Awthan and team performed an experiment to investigate the potential of Achillea biebersteinii (Ab) against DM disastrous impacts on the liver of guinea pigs In this experiment, scientists administrated the animals with Ab aqueous extract (50 and 100 mg kg^–1 b.wt., orally) or silymarin (100 mg kg^–1 b.wt., orally) for two weeks followed by single acute DM administration (80 mg kg^–1 b.wt., 1/4 of the LD₅₀ orally). Later, data was examined through one-way ANOVA using SPSS.

Scientists noted that; treatment of affected pig’s liver with Ab extract considerably reduced the DM induced serum levels of hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP). Histopathological examination of liver also exhibited that Ab extract decreased the occurrence of lesions such as the swelling of cells, lymphocytes infiltration, nucleus fragmentation and condensation and necrosis; produced due to DM exposure. Therefore, Yahya Saleh Al-Awthan and colleagues concluded that Ab aqueous extract could guard the liver as a result of DM-induced oxidative damage. This study will help to cure the victims of pesticides exclusively Dimethoate (DM), more effectively.

References:

1. Karami-Mohajeri, S. and M. Abdollahi, 2011. Toxic influence of organophosphate, carbamate and organochlorine pesticides on cellular metabolism of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates: A systematic review. Hum. Exp. Toxicol., 30: 1119-1140.
2. Sayim, F., 2007. Histopathological effects of dimethoate on testes of rats. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 78: 479-484.
3. Attia, A.A. and H.M. Nasr, 2009. Dimethoate-induced changes in biochemical parameters of experimental rat serum and its neutralization by black seed (Nigella sativa) oil. Slovak J. Anim. Sci., 42: 87-94.
4. Al-Awthan, Y.S., M.A. Al-Douis, G.H. El-Sokkary and E.M. Aqlan, 2012. Dimethoate-induced oxidative stress and morphological changes in the liver of guinea pig and the protective effect of vitamin C and E. Asian J. Biol. Sci., 5: 9-19.
5. Salih, E.M.A., 2010. Toxic effect of dimethoate and diazinon on the biochemical and hematological parameters in male rabbits. Jordan J. Biol. Sci., 3: 77-82.
6. Alarami, A.M.J., 2015. Histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of albino mice on exposure to insecticide, dimethoate. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Applied Sci., 4: 287-300.
7. Karami-Mohajeri, S. and Abdollahi, 2011. Toxic influence of organophosphate, carbamate and organochlorine pesticides on cellular metabolism of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates: A systematic review. Hum. Exp. Toxicol., 30: 1119-1140.
8. Pirbalouti, A. and A. Golparvar, 2007. Evaluation of ethnobotany in the region of Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari, West Central Iran. Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of the Society for Economic Botany, June 4-7, 2007, Chicago, USA -.
9. Amiri, M.S. and M.R. Joharchi, 2013. Ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of Mashhad, Iran. Avicenna J. Phytomed., 3: 254-271.
10. Varasteh-Kojourian, M., P. Abrishamchi, M.M. Matin, J. Asili, H. Ejtehadi and F. Khosravitabar, 2017. Antioxidant, cytotoxic and DNA protective properties of Achillea eriophora and Achillea biebersteinii Afan. extracts: A comparative study. Avicenna J. Phytomed., 7: 157-168.