Utilizing lemon peel extract and its nano-emulsion to control aflatoxin toxicity in rats

The lemon peel is a flavonoid-hefty source and also has bioactive constituents, such as polyphenols. This research was performed to assess the potential of lemon peel essential oil and its nano-emulsion as a fruit waste in protecting against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in experimental animals. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a daily dosage of aflatoxin (80 μg/kg b.w) treated with lemon peel essential oil and its nano-emulsion (100 mg/kg). All nutritional parameters, biochemical parameters, and histopathological examinations were evaluated. The results revealed severe toxicity and carcinogenicity of AFB1 established by elevation of TNF-α and IL-6 and pathogenic elevation in kidney and liver enzymes manifested by significant elevation of creatinine, urea, uric acid, AST, ALT, and ALP to 0.98, 79.4, 3.2, 57.6, 38, and 98.14, respectively. All these biochemical changes were confirmed by histopathological examination. All these harmful changes were amended by the use of lemon peel essential oil and its nano-emulsion, which led to the conclusion that lemon peel essential oil and its nano-emulsion as a fruit waste could be a promising source for the immune-enhancing drug that could protect against aflatoxin ingestion.