Prompt Description

Protective Role of Atriplex halimus Against Mercury Chloride–Induced Oxidative and Hepatorenal Toxicity in Wistar Rats Abstract Background: Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that induces hepatic and renal damage primarily through oxidative stress and tissue bioaccumulation. Medicinal plants may offer protection against mercury-induced toxicity. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of Atriplex halimus using GC–MS analysis and to evaluate its protective effects against mercuric chloride (HgCl₂)–induced hepatorenal toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: The ethanolic extract of A. halimus was analyzed by GC–MS. Forty-two male rats were orally treated for 40 days with HgCl₂ (10 mg/kg/day) with or without A. halimus (400 or 600 mg/kg/day). Mercury accumulation, biochemical markers of liver and kidney function, reduced glutathione (GSH), and histopathological changes were assessed. Results: GC–MS analysis identified linolenic acid (48.05%) and n-hexadecanoic acid as major constituents.