In vivo protective effects of vitamin C against cyto-genotoxicity induced by Dysphania ambrosioides aqueous extract

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) holds a prominent place in Moroccan folk medicine due to its therapeutic attributes. Despite its widespread use, instances of inadvertent intoxication linked to its consumption have been reported. This study aims to evaluate the potential cytogenotoxic effects of D. ambrosioides leaf aqueous extract (DAAE) and explore the prospective protective role of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) through the micronucleus test conducted on (1) Vicia faba root-tip meristem and (2) mouse bone marrow cells. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were evaluated in V. faba treated with DAAE. After a 7-day daily administration of DAAE to mice, serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and uric acid) were measured, and histological examination of liver and kidney tissues was performed. The results indicated that DAAE had dose-dependent cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on both biological models. Furthermore, V. faba treated with DAAE showed significant increases in the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes. Mice treated with DAAE exhibited significant elevations in serum biochemical parameters compared to the control group. Histological examination of liver and kidney tissues revealed hepatic degeneration, glomerular shrinkage, and distinct vacuolated tubular epithelial cells. The cotreatment with vitamin C demonstrated a significant protective effect against DAAE-induced cytogenotoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of vitamin C as a protective agent against oxidative stress and cytogenotoxicity induced by DAAE and recommend its use in any DAAE-based preparation.