Emblica officinalis (amla) ameliorates arsenic-induced liver damage via DNA protection by antioxidant systems

Present study demonstrates the therapeutic role of Emblica officinalis (EO) against arsenic-induced DNA and hepatic damage in female rats. Our earlier study on arsenic-exposed human unveils a link between tissue necrosis and carcinogenesis with impaired antioxidant system-associated DNA damage. Here we show ingestion of EO extract (500 mg in 0.1 mL water) in combination with sodium arsenite (0.4 ppm)/100 g b.w. for 24 days to rats offered significant protection against arsenic-induced oxidative damages of DNA and hepatic tissue architecture. Arsenic only exposure decreased hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and the level of non protein soluble thiol with a concomitant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and conjugated di-enes which are restrained by EO with a restoration of antioxidant components. In conclusion, restricted generation of free radicals is correlated to DNA protection resulting in prevention of tissue necrosis and possible carcinogenesis.