Tamarind seed coat extract restores fluoride-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in rats.

Fluoride (F) is becoming an ineluctable environmental pollutant causing deleterious effects in humans. In the present study, we examined whether tamarind seed coat extract (TSCE) is beneficial against the F-induced systemic toxicity and hematological changes. Wistar rats were randomly grouped as follows: group I served as control; group II intoxicated with sodium fluoride (NaF, 300 ppm) in drinking water; group III was administered through oral intubation with TSCE (100 mg/kg bw); group IV was treated with NaF (300 ppm) in association with TSCE (100 mg/kg bw) for 30 days. The results indicated that F exposure induced oxidative stress as evidenced by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the brain, liver, and kidney. F administration modulates hematological indices-WBC, RBC, and mean corpuscular volume. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase significantly increased on F exposure. Conversely, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and glutathione/reduced glutathione ratio were decreased. Activity of antioxidants-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamin C-was also significantly decreased due to F administration. Treatment with TSCE effectively mitigated the alterations through its antioxidant potential. The data suggested that the TSCE had beneficial effects in alleviating the F-induced toxicity and hence can serve as a promising neutraceutical agent.