Abstract
Background:
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid commonly found as an industrial solvent. It is also used as an antifreeze in cooling and heating systems, hydraulic brake fluids, industrial humectants, and the paint and plastics industries, as well as an electrolytic condenser. Its sweet taste and odor make it particularly dangerous for accidental ingestion by children and pets, which may result in toxicity and death.

Aim:
The aim of this was to evaluate the protective or ameliorative role of Alcea rosea root extract on rats exposed to ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity.

Methods:
A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. The first group was kept as a control. The second and third groups were exposed to doses of 0.4% (v/v) and 0.75% (v/v) EG, respectively, for 28 days. Animals in groups IV and V, in addition to EG, were treated with 170 mg/kg/day of A. rosea root extract for 28 days. Blood and tissue samples were collected from each animal and subjected to hematological, biochemical, and histopathological investigations.

Results:
There was an increase in the body weight of experimental animals on days 14 and 28 compared with the control group. On day 14, there was an increase in the Packed Corpuscular Volume (PCV) and Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs) values in animals exposed to EG, which was improved with the addition of A. rosea. Significant decrease in the MCV of animals exposed to EG, as well as those treated with A. rosea extracts. However, the values of animals in groups IV and V showed an increase compared to the values obtained from groups II and III. Kidney function tests were indicated by an increase in Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid concentrations in the serum, both at day 14 and day 28. The three analytes increased in experimental animals in groups II and III, whereas in groups IV and V, the values were lower than those in groups II and III. The same applies to the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are markers for liver function. They increased in experimental animals, and the animals in groups IV and V showed values that were lower than those obtained from groups II and III. It was concluded that A. rosea root extract has an ameliorative effect on experimental animals exposed to EG toxicity for 28 days. Histopathological changes in the kidneys and livers were consistent with biochemical changes, indicating liver and kidney impairment, which improved with the addition of A. rosea in groups IV and V.

Conclusion:
Ethanolic extract of A. rosea root resulted in the improvement of toxicity in rats exposed to ethylene glycol for 28 days. The improvement was indicated by hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes.

Key words: Ethylene Glycol; Alcea rosea; Toxicity; Kidney function; Liver function; Hematology.