Protective effects of Ajwa date extract against tissue damage induced by acute diclofenac toxicity

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the tissue-protective effects of Ajwa date fruits (a Prophetic medicinal remedy) against acute diclofenac toxicity. METHODS: Albino Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated to four experimental groups: a negative control group, an Ajwa-only group that received 2 g/kg of Ajwa date extract (ADE) orally, an acute diclofenac toxicity group that received 200 mg diclofenac once intraperitoneally, and a treatment group that received diclofenac and ADE after 4 h. Histological examinations of rat lung and liver tissues were performed. RESULTS: Acute diclofenac toxicity caused marked hepatic derangements, such as congested central veins, congested blood sinusoids, hyaline degeneration, and hepatocyte necrosis. Toxic diclofenac overdose resulted in markedly congested alveolar capillaries and alveolar haemorrhages, thick edematous alveolar walls, and edema fluid exudates in the alveoli. Upon treatment with ADE, significant reduction in diclofenac-induced hepatic and pulmonary derangements were observed. CONCLUSION: ADE is a safe, tissue-protective nutritional agent that alleviates cellular and tissue-damaging effects due to acute diclofenac toxicity. ADE relieved hepatic and pulmonary changes induced by acute diclofenac toxicity. The use of ADE is recommended for the treatment of acute diclofenac toxicity.