Abstract

Background Food and water serve as the primary sources of arsenic exposure, posing one of the most significant 
health threats related to heavy metals. Arsenic causes oxidative stress, which has many negative effects on humans. 
Nauclea latifolia (African peach) stem bark contains bioactive compounds with demonstrated antioxidant and free 
radical scavenging properties that may offer protection against heavy metal toxicity. This study investigated the pro
tective effects of N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extract against sodium arsenite-induced oxidative damage in hepa
torenal tissues. A total of 25 rats were separated into five groups, each containing five rats. Each rat received the pre
scribed treatment once daily for 28 days. A control group received no NaAsO₂, while a second group received 5 mg/
kg NaAsO₂. The treatment groups received N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin 
(50 mg/kg), followed by 5 mg/kg of NaAsO₂.
Results Rats administered NaAsO₂ showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels, but signifi
cant increases (p < 0.05) in proinflammatory marker (TNF-α & IL-6) levels, urea, creatinine, and liver enzyme biomarkers. 
Treatment with N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extract and silymarin ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation, 
and reduced levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea and liver enzyme activity.
Conclusion The N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extract prevented histological hepatic steatosis and renal cytoarchi
tecture deterioration induced by NaAsO₂ exposure. This suggests that plant extracts with antioxidant compounds 
like N. latifolia can mitigate liver and kidney damage from NaAsO₂ exposure, offering potential therapeutic applica
tions for arsenic toxicity management.