The Effect Of Rosmarinus Officinalis on Submandibular Salivary Gland of Albino Rats Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 (Histological and Ultra-structural Study)

Abstract

Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced by a large number of Aspergillus species. It is a naturally occurring toxic metabolite produced by the fungi (Aspergillus flavus), a mold that can be found on several food products. These molds are able to colonize a wide range of crops both in the field and during long-term storage. The type called Aflatoxin B1 is the most toxic and the most prevalent in food. Chronic exposure to AFB1 was found to induce pathological and oxidative damage in body tissues. The oxidative stress caused by AFB1 is one of the underlining mechanisms for AFB1-induced cell injury. Rosemary is a medicinal edible plant that is full of phenolic compounds that possess potent antioxidant activity. Thus is able to protect the cell components against oxidative damage by neutralizing the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals.