INTRODUCTION:

Aflatoxins are toxic fungal metabolites that have adverse effects on humans and animals. Tarantula cubensis D6 (6x) is used as a homeopathic medicine for different purposes. The present study investigates the effects of Tarantula cubensis D6 on the oxidant-antioxidant balance and some biochemical parameters against exposure to aflatoxin.

METHODS:

Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley female rats were used and evenly divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control. Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 200 μl/kg.bw/day Tarantula cubensis D6 (6x) (applied subcutaneously), 400 μg/kg.bw/day total aflatoxin (approximately 80% AF B1, 10% AF B2, 6 %AF G1, and 4% AF G2), and 200 μl/kg.bw/day Tarantula cubensis D6 plus 400 μg/kg.bw/day total aflatoxin, respectively, for 28 days. At the end of 28 days, blood samples and some organs (liver, kidney, brain, and spleen) were taken from all the animals. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and some biochemical parameters (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT and ALP, total protein, albumin) were evaluated in blood samples and tissues.

RESULTS:

Aflatoxin caused negative changes in all oxidative stress parameters and some biochemical parameters (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin). Administration of Tarantula cubensis D6 partly alleviated aflatoxin-induced negative changes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results indicated that Tarantula cubensis D6 partially neutralized the deleterious effects of aflatoxin.

Copyright © 2015 The Faculty of Homeopathy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.