volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
Aim: Cadmium toxicity is mediated by free radicals, thereby, necessitating studies on the antidotal benefits of medicinal plants with anti-oxidative properties. Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf extract was studied to evaluate its protection against hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats intoxicated with cadmium chloride. Methods: Male Wistar rats (24), weighing 140 – 180 g, used for the study were randomized into groups (1 - 4) with each group consisting of 6 animals. Group 1 was the control while 10 mg/kg bw of cadmium chloride was administered to Group 2. Ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii (400 mg/kg bw) was administered to animals in Group 3. Group 4 was treated with cadmium chloride before the extract for a period of 21 days. Indices of hepatotoxicity and lipid profile were determined in serum. Parameters of oxidative stress were analyzed in liver homogenate. The leaves were obtained in December 2020 while experimentation and data analysis were carried out in January/February 2021. Results: Hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride was evidenced as significantly increased (p˂0.05) activities of marker enzymes in serum and increased serum bilirubin concentration with a significant reduction in total protein. Cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations in serum increased significantly (p<0.05) while HDL-cholesterol concentration decreased. Antioxidant enzyme activities also decreased following cadmium chloride administration. The adverse effects of cadmium chloride were ameliorated by Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf extract. Conclusion: Ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii attenuated cadmium chloride toxicity suggesting the need for further assessment of its pharmacological benefits.