The Protective Effect of Ephedra alata Aqueous Extract Against Metribuzin Intoxication on Albino Wistar Rat

Background: Metribuzin (Mtz), a pesticide often used on vegetable crops to control broadleaf and grassy weed species has shown significant toxicity to humans and animals. Many plant extracts have been reported to have multiple biological properties. Ephedra alata extract might be useful in preventing and protecting the population from getting affected by metribuzin toxicity. Objective: The current study evaluates the protective effect of Ephedra alata aqueous extract against metribuzin (Mtz) pesticide induced adverse effects on biochemical parameters as well as oxidative stress in various tissues of rats. Methods: This study was conducted on 24 Albino rats, which were divided into three groups; the first served as a control, the remaining groups were respectively treated with metribuzin 1/5 of the LD50 (440 mg/kg b.w.) and a combination of Mtz and Ephedra alata aqueous extract at the dose level of 200 mg/kg b.w. for 50 days. Results: After 50 days of treatment, a significant increase in glucose levels was noticed in the metribuzin-exposed group compared to the control. Mtz exposure resulted in the increase in plasma urea and creatinine in rats, suggesting renal failure and caused also a significant induction of oxidative damage in tissues as evidenced by increased activities of AST, ALT and ALP, increased levels of malondialdehyde, decreased levels of reduced glutathione in Mtz group compared to the control. Conclusion: Ephedra alata aqueous extract at the dose level of 200 mg/kg b.w. supplementation has significantly reduced the adverse effects of metribuzin. These findings suggest that Ephedra alata extract may have protective effects by improving the antioxidant status in tissues and ameliorating the harmful effects induced by Mtz.