Abstract
Chronic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid may cause a number of adverse effects and chronic conditions. Intestinal adsorbents based on natural materials are used to prevent or treat various intoxications. In this study, it was described detoxification and protective effect of composite pectin/montmorillonite intestinal adsorbents in rats receiving high doses of acetylsalicylic acid. 60 Wistar rats received 100 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid without or together with composite intestinal adsorbents based on montmorillonite and 5%, 10%, and 20% pectin. After 16 days of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure blood biochemistry profiles, including levels of total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol and liver enzymes. It was observed significant changes in blood biochemistry profile as well as in liver enzyme levels in rats receiving acetylsalicylic acid for 16 days. Concomitant administration of acetylsalicylic acid and composite intestinal adsorbents based on montmorillonite and 5%, 10%, and 20% pectin provided a protective effect as judged by recovery of blood biochemistry and liver enzyme profiles to control levels. The composite adsorbent with 20% pectin had maximum effect. Therefore, pectin/montmorillonite intestinal adsorbents can be used to decrease gastrointestinal irritation and adverse effects of drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid.