Ascorbic acid depletes residual concentration of chlorpyrifos and arsenic in rats exposed continuously for 28 days

Present study was designed to assess the influence of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg body weight) in sub-acute toxicity of arsenic (40 ppm) and/or chlorpyrifos (5 mg/kg body weight) in forty two male Wistar rats (divided in to seven groups of six each), consecutively for 28 days. Both the toxicants failed to produce any clinically apparent toxicity or mortality in rats. Concentration of chlorpyrifos was found significantly higher on 28th day than 7th, 14th and 21th days in chlorpyrifos exposed group compared to combination groups. In arsenic plus chlorpyrifos group on 28th day was significantly higher than 7th day, but did not differ significantly from 14th and 21th days. Concentration of arsenic in arsenic alone treatment group was 415.27 ± 91.38 and in arsenic plus chlorpyrifos treatment group it was increased significantly and more than two times higher 1018.33 ± 220.95. However, simultaneous treatment with ascorbic acid recorded appreciable reduction in the concentrations of chlorpyrifos and arsenic either alone and or in combination groups. Thus it can be concluded that, ascorbic acid provides strong evidence for considering ascorbic acid as a promising tool for chemoprevention against heavy metal and/or pesticide toxicity as it is consumed on a regular basis.