Evaluation of ameliorative effect of two selected plant drugs on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep

Chronic arsenic poisoning is one of the serious health hazards in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. It occurs due to contaminated subsoil water. The aim of this study is conducted to find out the ameliorative effect of turmeric and P. foetida powder on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep. Twelve sheep were divided into four groups; groups I, II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite at 6.6 mg/kg body weight for 133 days; groups I and II animals were treated by turmeric and P. foetida powders respectively at 500 mg/kg dose for the last 49 days; the fourth group was control. Arsenic content was estimated in faeces, urine and wool in every 15 days. Biochemical, haematological, antioxidant parameters and DNA fragmentation were also assessed. Turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment significantly ( P < 0.05) increased arsenic elimination through faeces, urine and wool. Haemoglobin content and TEC were decreased in groups I, II and III; however, these were improved significantly ( P < 0.05) by turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment. Increased activity of AST, ALT, blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased in groups I and II. The reduced SOD and catalase activity were significantly ( P < 0.05) restored at the end of the experiment in turmeric and P. foetida -treated groups. The test drugs are found significantly effective not only to eliminate arsenic from the body but also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure in sheep.