Ginseng attenuates fipronil-induced hepatorenal toxicity via its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic,and anti-inflammatory activities in rats

Fipronil (FPN) is a relatively new and broad spectrum insecticide that induces toxic effects to animals and humans through induction of oxidative stress. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Thus, the current study was conducted to evaluate the anti-toxic potential of ginseng aqueous extract (GAE) against FPN-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into four equal groups. Rats of the control group received distilled water. The second group was administrated with GAE at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. orally day by day for 6 weeks. The third group was intoxicated with FPN at a dose of 4.85 mg/kg b.w. orally day by day for 6 weeks. The fourth group was administrated with GAE 2 h before FPN intoxication. Intoxication of rats with FPN significantly elevated the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and serum levels of urea and creatinine, as well as increased malondialdehyde level and protein expressions of caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 in hepatic and renal tissues. However, it significantly decreased hepatic and renal GSH content and catalase activity. In addition, it induced histopathological alterations in hepatic and renal tissue architectures. Conversely, concomitant oral administration of GAE ameliorated the FPN-induced biochemical, pathological, and histochemical alterations in both hepatic and renal tissues. This study indicated that ginseng attenuates FPN-induced hepatorenal toxicity, possibly via its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties.