Hepatoprotective effects of stem bark against cadmium-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Objectives: The liver is one of the primary biorepositories of cadmium (Cd) and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases. stem bark has been reputed to have strong antimalarial, antimicrobial, antiulcerative and amoebicidal properties. This study aims to determine the effects of on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and lipid profile in male Wistar rats.

Methods: The animals were divided into three groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as control while group 2 received Cd (5 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Prior to Cd treatment, group 3 was treated with extract (200 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and received the and Cd simultaneously for 4 weeks.

Results: Cadmium caused significant increase in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as well as increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared with the control group. On the other hand, Cd caused a decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) when compared with control. However, treatment with prevented Cd-induced changes in the lipid profile, augmented Cd-induced decline in SOD and also ameliorated the Cd-induced increase in MDA. Catalase level was however comparable across the groups.

Conclusions: ameliorated the Cd-induced damage to liver by preventing dyslipidemia and oxidative damage in the hepatic tissue.