Histopathological and Biochemical Assessment of Morin Hydrate’s Protective Role against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Multi Organ Toxicity

Cyclophosphamide, an extensively used antineoplastic drug, exhibits therapeutic efficacy. However, it is associated with a significant number of side effects, with reproductive toxicity being the most severe side effect. In this study, we examined the potential therapeutic effects of morin hydrate, a bioactive flavonoid with multiple pharmacological properties, on organ damage caused by cyclophosphamide in male rats. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham, CYP control, MH per se, and CYP+MH. Cyclophosphamide was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 40 mg/kg on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and morin hydrate (100 mg/kg body weight, PO route daily for 28 days in groups 3 and 4). On the 29th day, the rats were euthanized, and liver, lung, and intestinal samples were collected for evaluation. Parameters such as relative organ weight, body weight, serum markers, haematological parameters, antioxidant levels, and histopathological examination were used to evaluate organ damage. The CYP control group showed a significant decrease in body weight, relative liver weight, Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), and lymphocytes, while exhibiting increased relative lung weight, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels. Oxidative stress markers, such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), were elevated, while Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration were decreased in the liver, lungs, and intestines of the CYP control group. Histopathological examination revealed marked congestion, infiltration of mononuclear cells, alveolar damage, and hyperplasia of Type II pneumocytes in the lungs; pyknotic nuclei, vacuolar degeneration, and necrosis in the liver; and mucosal ulceration, degenerated villi, and epithelial degeneration in the intestine. In contrast, the CYP+MH group showed significant improvements in body weight, relative organ weights, haematological parameters, serum enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and histopathology compared to the CYP control group. These findings suggest that MH effectively counteracts CYPinduced organ damage in rats, possibly due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Major Findings: The study found that morin hydrate effectively counteracts cyclophosphamide-induced organ damage in rats. Specifically, morin hydrate treatment improved body weight, relative organ weights, hematological parameters, serum enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and tissue histopathology compared to cyclophosphamide alone. These protective effects are likely due to morin hydrate's antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.