Dichlorvos-Induced Vital-Organ Toxicity and the Modulatory Effects of Vitamin C and Costus afer Extract in Male Mice

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated dichlorvos-induced vital-organ toxicity and the modulatory effects of Vitamin C and Costus afer extract in Male Mice. Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the animal house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The experiment lasted for 35 days between April to June 2023. Methodology: A total of 30 male mice were assigned to six groups (n= 5). Animals were assigned to control and treatment groups receiving 25mg/kg/bw/day of dichlorvos (DDVP) only, 100% Vitamin C supplement and Costus afer extract alone @ 250mg/kg/bw/day, 25mg/kg/bw/day of DDVP +Vitamin C @250mg/kg/bw/day and 25mg/kg/bw/day of DDVP +Costus afer extract @250mg/kg/bw/day. Data on body weights were taken twice a week throughout the experimental period. Each mouse was dissected and weight of vital organs recorded. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA with SPSS version 23. Results: Body weight showed no significant (p>0.05) differences across all groups. In contrast, DDVP exposure produced organ-specific effects, with notable alterations observed in the liver, kidney, seminal vesicle, and epididymis. DDVP alone was associated with increased liver weight and reduced kidney and epididymal weights. Vitamin C co-administration partially attenuated these changes. Conversely, Costus extract provided inconsistent protection, and in some cases, particularly in the kidney and epididymis, did not prevent DDVP-associated reductions in organ weight. Testis, prostate, heart, and spleen weights remained relatively stable across treatments. Conclusion: DDVP induces selective organ toxicity without affecting overall body weight, with the liver, kidney, and accessory reproductive organs being most susceptible. while Vitamin C offers greater protective benefits, Costus extract alone or in combination with DDVP may not sufficiently counteract DDVP-induced organ damage. Therefore, for DDVP-induced vital organ toxicity, Costus extract should be used with caution.