Effect of Antioxidants and Cytotoxic Activities of Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca L.) and Peach (Prunus Persica L.) Kernels Extracts on Experimental Rats

Abstract
Amygdalin (d-Mandelonitrile 6-O-β-d-glucosido-β-d-glucoside) is a naturally occurring disaccharide, a source of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), highly concentrated in fruit kernels from Rosaceae species. It is a medically interesting but controversial compound as it has anticancer activity on one hand and can be toxic on the other hand. Moreover, high dose exposures to amygdalin can produce cyanide toxicity. Twenty-eight male rats weighing (150± 10 g) were fed a basic diet then, rats were divided into seven groups (4 rats) as follows: Group(1) : Negative control group (-ve) was fed on basal diet (BD). Group (2) : Rats fed on BD and 0.5% Peach Kernels Extract PKE. Group (3): Rats fed on BD and 1.5% PKE. Group (4): Rats fed on BD and 0.5% Apricot Kernels Extract AKE. Group (5): Rats fed on BD and 1.5% AKE. Group (6): Rats fed on BD and 0.5% PKE and AKE. Group (7): Rats fed on BD and 1.5% PKE and AKE. Some clinical parameters were determined such as: Liver functions (GOT, GPT) and kidney functions (Urea, Uric Acid and Creatinine) at the end of experimental period. Finally, the results showed that the groups fed 0.5%. PKE, AKE or the mixture recorded the lowest value the group fed 1.5% PKE, AKE or the mixture with a significant difference at (P≤0.05). In conclusion, the current study proved that 0.5% AKE, PKE, and the mixture achieved the best results, as they had the least harmful and toxic effects on the kidney and liver levels of rats.