Evaluation of Gastric and Hepatic Protective Effects of Kiwifruit Extract on Toxicity of Indomethacin in Swiss Albino Mice Using Histological Studies

Consumption of fruits plays a special role in prevention and treatment of various diseases. Fruits have several compounds with antioxidant properties. Kiwifruit is one of the most popular fruits worldwide and is cultivated in many countries. It is a rich source of several compounds with antioxidant properties such as polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins. The aim of this study is to evaluate the gastric- and hepatic protective effects of kiwifruit extract (KFE) against toxicity of indomethacin (Indo) in mice.36 Swiss albino mice (2530 g) were randomly divided into six groups. The first group served as control and was injected intraperitonieal ( i. p. ) with distilled water (1ml DW/ once), animals of the second group were injected with vehicle of Indo (1 ml of 4 % sodium bicarbonate, once, i. p. ) and served as vehicle -Indo group and those of the third group was injected with Indo (40 mg/ kg. b. w. /i. p. / once). One hour before Indo injection (40 mg/ kg. b. w. /i. p. / once), fourth group was injected with pantoprazole (10 mg/kg. b. w. /i. p. / once), and animals of the fifth and sixth group were injected with KFE (500 mg /kg bw/i. p. /once) and (750 mg /kg bw/i. p. /once), respectively. Kiwi fruit extract was found to be safe up to 4000 mg/kg when kiwi fruit administrated i. p. in Swiss albino mice. Indo treatment induced histological lesions in both gastric and hepatic tissue as revealed by light microscope. Gastric sections showed ulcerated and erosion of mucosal layers with congested dilated blood vessels in submucosal layer and liver sectios showed marked vacuolated hepatocyte, congested dilated vascular channels, and dense aggregation of inflammatory cells. Pretreatment with KFE prior Indo administration resulted in marked ameliorations of the gastric and hepatic lesions induced by Indo. We can conclude that kiwi fruit extract is useful in combating tissue injury caused by indomethacin toxicity and protect gastric and hepatic tissues from toxicity of indomethacin. Further studies on both gene and DNA level are recommended.