Introduction/Objective:: This study evaluates the adverse effects of sodium ben-zoate on the bone marrow and liver of rats, its potential to form benzene, and the protective role of Atriplex halimus extract. Methods:: Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups: control, Atriplex halimus extract alone, sodium benzoate alone, sodium benzoate with preventive Atriplex halimus ex-tract, and sodium benzoate with curative Atriplex halimus extract. Sodium benzoate was ad-ministered in drinking water at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 15 weeks. Atriplex halimus extract was administered intragastrically either during the final 30 days (curative) or throughout the entire sodium benzoate exposure period (preventive). Phytochemical analysis of the extract was conducted using LC-MS. Biochemical, histopathological, and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Results:: Sodium benzoate exposure led to benzene detection in fat tissues, reduced neutrophil counts, altered hepatic enzyme levels (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase), decreased antioxidant defenses (glutathione, catalase, glutathione S-transferase), and increased malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological analysis revealed sig-nificant liver degeneration and milder bone marrow damage. Atriplex halimus extract re-stored biochemical and histological parameters, reversed neutropenia, and reduced benzene accumulation. Discussion:: The findings confirm sodium benzoate’s toxicity, particularly its oxidative stress and tissue damage effects, and highlight the protective potential of Atriplex halimus extract due to its phenolic compounds and saponins. Conclusion:: Atriplex halimus extract exhibits preventive and curative effects against sodium benzoate–induced benzene accumulation in fat, as well as bone marrow and liver injuries.
Zeghib et al. (Wed,) studied this question.