Therapeutic effect of Bacopa monnieri on Aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative damage in rats

Aflatoxin B1 is the one of most toxic and well-known mycotoxins, which contaminates staple food. Bacopa monnieri popularly known as Brahmi, is a well-documented nootropic drug in Ayurveda. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the protective efficacy of brahmi against liver damage induced within 4 weeks by oral doses 200 ìg/kg Aflatoxin B1, to male rats. Resulting in increased lipid peroxidation, decline in reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue, increased serum liver pathology markers in serum. Oral pretreatment with 20 – 40 mg/kg Brahmi for a week showed remarkable protection against the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1.