The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective and anti-inflammatory influence of
quercetin against metalaxyl fungicide induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Forty two
male albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I (normal group): rats administered
distilled water. Group II (metalaxyl exposed group): rats received metalaxyl 1/10 LD₅₀ (130 mg/kg
b.wt) orally three times per weeks for 8 weeks. Group III (metalaxyl + quercetin treated group): rats
received metalaxyl (130 mg/kg b.wt) and treated with quercetin (15 mg/kg b.wt/day/i.p). The
obtained results showed significant increase in serum liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP)
activities, liver tissue L-MDA and inflammatory markers (MPO and IL-6) levels in metalaxyl
exposed rats. However, activities of liver tissue antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and GSH levels
were markedly decreased. Administration of quercetin with metalaxyl exposed rats caused
significant improvement of all previous parameters towards its normal ranges. These results
suggested that, quercetin treatment may have a protective effect against metalaxyl fungicide
induced liver damage and oxidative stress in rats via anti-inflammatory activity and free radical
scavenging as well as regenerating endogenous antioxidant defense system mechanisms.