Sodium Nitrite-Induced Histological Changes in Albino Mice and The Protective Role of Garlic Alcoholic Extract

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the histological changes resulting from sodium nitrite (NaNO2) administration in the liver of male mice and to verify the potential protective effects of the alcoholic extract of garlic against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity. The study was conducted on 24 male mice, divided equally into 4 groups, which were dosed daily for 12 months. The first group: (control), the second group: was dosed with the alcoholic extract of garlic (50 mg/kg of body weight), The third group was given sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg), the fourth group was given garlic extract in conjunction with sodium nitrite, and at the end of the experiment, liver samples were collected from the mice for histological examination. The results of the histological study showed the toxic effect of sodium nitrite, as severe necrotic foci and nuclei destruction also appeared. In addition to fatty and watery degeneration, vascular dilation and congestion were also observed in the central and portal veins of the liver, as well as severe inflammatory infiltration. On the other hand, the alcoholic extract of garlic showed a significant improvement in liver tissue when dosed simultaneously with sodium nitrite, The liver tissue recovered a significant portion of its health, and the normal hepatic tissue structure appeared. This confirms that the alcoholic extract of garlic is an effective natural product due to its important protective role against sodium nitrite hepatotoxicity.