Duodenal alterations due to administration of Odogwu Bitters in Wistar rats

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Purpose: To investigate the subacute effects of Odogwu Bitters on the duodenum of adult male Wistar rats, with a focus on histomorphological and morphometric alterations, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers. Methods: Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5 per group). The control group (A) was given standard feed and water, whereas the treatment groups (B, C, and D) received daily oral administrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL of Odogwu Bitters, respectively, for five weeks. Post-treatment, absolute and relative duodenal weights were recorded. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), were determined using colorimetric assay kits. Duodenal tissues were processed for histological evaluation using haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: A significant decrease in relative duodenal weight was observed in group D (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were elevated in the low-dose group (B) but showed a significant reduction in groups C and D (p = 0.010, p = 0.020). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels followed a similar pattern. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly elevated in groups C and D (p = 0.034, p = 0.045). Histologically, the treated groups exhibited mild-to-moderate intestinal metaplasia but showed no epithelial atrophy. A consistent immune cell infiltrate comprising lymphocytes, plasma cells, and occasional neutrophils was present. Conclusion: A five-week exposure to Odogwu Bitters induce dose-dependent duodenal alterations, characterized by oxidative imbalance and metaplastic epithelial changes. While overt mucosal damage was absent, these findings highlight potential subclinical gastrointestinal effects associated with this specific herbal bitter, suggesting that even subacute exposure may not be without adverse consequences.

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