Toxicological effects of a pesticide protected by Cynara cardunculus: in vitro and vivo approaches to toxicity the protective potential cardunculus

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of microspheres of Cynara cardunculus, a recognized medicinal plant, against liver toxicity induced by the insecticide deltamethrin. Investigations were carried out ex vivo on liver fluids and tissues, as well as on liver mitochondria from Swiss strain mice. Artichoke is of major biological interest for its strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, its ability to scavenge iron radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and its pancreatic lipase inhibitory capacity. Deltamethrin-induced liver toxicity is manifested by clear signs of liver dysfunction. Incubation of the liver with this insecticide for one hour results in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, as well as elevated antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) in liver fluid and tissue. Increased SOD and CAT enzyme activities were also observed in liver mitochondria, reflecting mitochondrial stress.