QUERCETIN AND NARINGIN AMELIORATE DICHLORVOS-INDUCED SUBACUTE TOXICITY VIA MODULATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN RATS

Abstract

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in domestic and agricultural settings, and exposure is associated with significant toxicological effects, largely mediated by oxidative stress. This study evaluated the protective effects of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin against dichlorvos-induced subacute toxicity in male Wistar rats. Eighty male albino rats were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 10); negative control (water), positive (vehicle) control (Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)), Dichlorvos (8mg/kg BW), Dichlorvos recovery, Dichlorvos + naringin, Dichlorvos + quercetin, quercetin only, naringin only, and orally treated for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, plasma, red blood cells, liver, and brain samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were determined spectrophotometrically. Subacute dichlorvos (28-day) exposure caused significant reductions in SOD, CAT, and GST activities across all examined tissues, reflecting impaired antioxidant defense and increased oxidative stress. Co-administration of quercetin or naringin significantly attenuated these alterations, with enzyme activities approaching control levels. Quercetin showed greater protective efficacy in liver and brain tissues, whereas naringin exerted comparatively stronger effects in plasma and red blood cells, indicating tissue-specific antioxidant responses. Overall, the findings demonstrate that quercetin and naringin effectively protect against dichlorvos-induced subacute toxicity by modulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes, supporting the potential use of dietary flavonoids as adjunct protective agents against organophosphate toxicity.