Abstract:
Neonicotinoids, such as acetamiprid (ACE), are highly water-soluble neurotoxic
insecticides known for their rapid absorption and bioaccumulation in plant and animal tissues,
raising concerns about their potential hepatotoxic effects. This study investigated the impact
of ACE exposure on physiological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in Albino-
Wistar rats, while also evaluating the protective role of Juniperus phoenicea (JNP) extract. 28
rats were divided into four groups of seven rats each: control( receive drinking water and
standard food), JNP-only (receive drinking water and a specific dose of a decoction prepared
from 200mg/kg of juniperus via oral gavage), ACE-only (receive 20 mg/kg of acetamiprid)
and a combined ACE+JNP group(administered orally with a dose of acetamiprid at 20mg/kg
followed by the administration of 200mg/kg of juniperus decoction4 hours later)with
assessments conducted over 30 days on body weight, liver weight, biochemical markers, and
oxidative stress indicators.
Results demonstrated that ACE induced significant hepatotoxicity (increase in
ALT,AST,Triglycerides,Cholesterol,CAT,decrease in Albumin,GST,GSH ) whereas JNP alone
had no adverse effects. Notably, co-administration of JNP with ACE mitigated ACE-induced
toxicity, suggesting that Juniperus phoenicea extract possesses hepatoprotective and
antioxidative properties capable of counteracting pesticide damage.
These findings highlight the potential of Juniperus phoenicea as a natural therapeutic
agent for detoxification, warranting further research into its mechanistic pathways and clinical
applications in mitigating pesticide-related toxicity.
