Histological effects of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus leaf on Areca catechu-induced esophageal injury in adult Wistar rats

BACKGROUND: Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) has been reported to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties, as well as the ability to modify gene transcription. The seeds of Areca catechu contain carcinogenic compounds. AIM: This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of C. citratus on A. catechu-induced esophageal injury in adult Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirty rats weighing between 180 and 250 g were obtained from the laboratory animal facility of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin city. The animals were randomly assigned to six groups of five animals each. Group A served as control group and received food and distilled water only, Group B received 1500 mg/kg body weight (bw) of A. catechu only, Group C received 1500 mg/kg bw of C. citratus only, Group D received 1500 mg/kg bw of A. catechu and 1000 mg/kg bw C. citratus, Group E received 1500 mg/kg bw of A. catechu and 2000 mg/kg of C. citratus, while Group F received 1500 mg/kg bw of A. catechu and 3000 mg/kg bw of C. citratus. The administration of extracts was commenced through oral gavage for 4 weeks. The rats were sacrificed, and appropriate histological procedures were carried out. RESULTS: Epithelial proliferation in the mucosa of the esophagus was caused by A. catechu, whereas C. citratus attenuated this lesion, as well as activating the immune system. CONCLUSION: Findings from the histological results showed that C. citratus protected the esophagus from the damages induced by A. catechu.