Combined treatment of HEDTA and propolis prevents aluminum induced toxicity in rats

A study was undertaken to evaluate protective effect of chelating agent, N-(2-hydroxy ethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid) [HEDTA] with and without propolis against aluminum (Al) induced toxicity in liver, kidney and brain. Toxicity was induced by single administration of aluminum nitrate at a dose of 32.5 mg/kg (½ of LD50). HEDTA (20 mg/kg, ip), propolis (200 mg/kg, po), and combination of HEDTA and propolis, respectively, were administered for 3 days after 24 h of Al exposure. Significant enhancement in AST, ALT, uric acid, urea, cholesterol, and triglyceride contents was found in serum, whereas albumin was decreased after Al exposure. Hepatic, renal, and neuronal LPO were found significantly increased after Al exposure, whereas it inhibited AChE activity in forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Al significantly reduced the activity of adenosine triphosphatase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and GSH contents in hepatic, renal and nervous tissues. However, individual treatment of HEDTA and propolis restored biochemical parameters towards control but combined treatment of HEDTA and propolis offered better protection in comparison to monotherapy. Combined treatment of HEDTA and propolis preserved histological features, mitigated oxidative stress and improved liver, kidney and brain functions more profoundly.