The Therapeutic Effect of the Alcoholic Extract of the Fruit of Ziziphus spina-christi L. in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Toxic Effects on the Liver Resulting from Exposure to Sodium Fluoride

Abstract Background: Sodium fluoride causes liver disorders in albino rats and can cause ischemia and increased oxidative stress. This requires Ziziphus spina-christi L. extract for its antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties. Objective: This research aims to ascertain whether the alcoholic extract of the fruit of the Z. spina-christi tree can reduce oxidative stress and toxic effects on the liver resulting from exposure to sodium fluoride in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: About 40 albino male rats were divided into four groups, each with 10 rats. The first group, Control: was given an oral dose of (5 mL/kg) distilled water. The second group, Ziziphus: was dosed orally with the alcoholic extract of Z. spina-christi L. (200 mg/kg) daily for 3 months at a dose of 3 mL). The third group, sodium fluoride: was injected intraperitoneally with a sodium fluoride solution (50 mg/kg) every day for 3 months at a dose of 0.1 mL. The fourth group, Ziziphus Naf+: was injected intraperitoneally with (50 mg/kg) of sodium fluoride solution (every other day) for a period of 3 months, after which it was dosed with (200 mg/kg) of the alcoholic extract of Sidr fruits, at the same dose for the second and third groups. Results: The experiment included injecting male rats with sodium fluoride (Naf) intraperitoneally. This resulted in a significant increase in liver enzyme activity and MDA concentration. However, the effectiveness of antioxidant enzymes decreased in the third group compared to the first group. The fourth group showed an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity. In the second group, the alcoholic extract of Ziziphus fruit increased antioxidant enzyme activity but decreased alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and Malondialdehyde. The fourth group showed increased antioxidant enzymes, GSH, SOD, and CAT but all variables decreased. Histological examination showed extensive liver tissue damage, including irregularity of the hepatic cords, hyperemia, and degeneration. Combined treatment with sodium fluoride and Z. spina-christi L. extract improved liver tissue regulation and cell function. Conclusion: We conclude from our current study that the alcoholic extract of Ziziphus fruits is characterized by its high antioxidant activity, which works to mitigate and eliminate the effects of toxicity resulting from NaF injections on some functional and histological parameters of the liver of male albino rats.