Prospective protective role of melatonin against arsenic-induced metabolic toxicity in Wistar rats

Melatonin supplementation (i.p.) at a dose of 10 mg kg−1 day−1 for last five days prior to sacrifice reversed most of the above changes caused by arsenic. Melatonin, being a potent free radical scavenger may reduce arsenic-induced free radical production, and thereby, eliminating its toxic effects. So, arsenic-induced hypoglycemia, with associated glycogenolytic as well as glycolytic activities of liver can be partially counteracted by melatonin supplementation. Accordingly, it may be suggested that melatonin can serve as a prospective protective agent against arsenic-induced metabolic toxicity.