Long term effect of aflatoxin B(1) on lipid peroxidation in rat liver and kidney: effect of picroliv and silymarin.

Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) is a potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin. The mechanism of cellular damage caused by AFB(1) has not been fully elucidated. Lipid peroxidation is one of the main manifestations of oxidative damage and has been found to play an important role in the toxicity and carcinogenesis of many carcinogens. The present investigation aims at assessing the comparative antioxidant effect of picroliv, a standardized iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa and silymarin, a well known standard hepatoprotective, on aflatoxin B(1) induced lipid-peroxidation in rat liver and kidney. Marked increases in lipid peroxide levels and a concomitant decrease in enzymic antioxidant levels were observed in aflatoxin B(1) (2 mg/kg, i.p) -toxicated rats, while drug (picroliv and silymarin both) treatment reversed the condition to near normal levels. The effects of picroliv and silymarin were comparable.