UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a well-known drug for the treatment of malaria, was repurposed to treat coronavirus. Despite the cure, this drug was found to be associated with hepatic and renal damage by inducing oxidative imbalance, enzymatic and histological alteration. Identifying natural plant products to mitigate this damage is necessary. Thus, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of dietary Avena sativa (Oats) and Ficus carica (Figs) for the alleviation of HCQ induced liver and kidney damage.

Methodology: Thirty male albino rats were allocated in five distinct groups, with six rats each. As per their feeding, the experimental groups are: Control (C), HCQ (T), HCQ + Oats (OA), HCQ+ Figs (F), HCQ+ Oats+ Figs (OA+F). After completion of six days of experimental tenure, animals were subjected to sacrifice and oxidative stress parameters, enzyme levels and histopathological changes of liver and kidney tissues were evaluated.

Results: HCQ-administration led to increased oxidative stress, elevated liver and kidney enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and alter histoarchitectures. Treatment with oats and figs restored antioxidant enzymatic activity and improved overall histology.

Conclusion: HCQ administration led to a notable injury in liver and kidney tissues. Beneficial effects on the liver and kidney indicate the ameliorative properties of oats and figs on HCQ-induced damage.