ABSTRACT
Prickly pear peels contain essential compounds such as taurine, amino acids, readily absorbable carbohydrates, minerals, vitamin C, flavonoids, tocopherols, and carotenoids. These compounds and derivatives were shown to be endowed with biologically relevant activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial properties. The present study was designed to investigate some parameters of the chemical composition of prickly pear peels and the effect of their nutritional status on liver and renal injury in rats. Thirty adult male albino rats Sprague–Dawley strain were classified into 2 main groups fed several diets for 28 days as follows: The first negative control group (6 rats / normal group) fed on standard diet. The second group (24rat) injected by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4); 6 rats presented as a positive control group fed on basal diet. 18 rats were as subgroups 1, 2 and 3 fed on basal diet with 5, 10 and 15% prickly pear peels respectively. At the end of the experimental period (4 week) biological parameters; some biochemical parameters and the histology for liver and renal were evaluated. The results showed a high value of moisture, carbohydrates, protein in prickly pear peels. The positive control group had a significantly lower value of the body weight gain. Liver enzymes and renal parameter of positive control group were higher significantly than negative control group and treated groups. Prickly pear peel ameliorates the effect CCl4 on liver and kidney in rats.