Acetonic extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) attenuates Cd-induced liver injury: Potential application in adjuvant heavy metal therapy
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Date
2018-02-27
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Abstract
Exposure to cadmium (Cd), even at low doses, is of serious health concern because it does not undergo metabolic
degradation to less toxic metabolite. Liver injury/disease, with a world-wide increasing incidence, is one of the
consequences of exposure to Cd toxicity. This study aimed at determining the effects of acetonic extract of
Vernonia amygdalina leaf (AEVAL) in a Wistar rat model of Cd-induced liver injury. Phytochemical screening of
the extract was carried out and its oral LD50 was determined to guide the choice of therapeutic doses. Thereafter,
thirty male Wistar rats were recruited for this study. The experimental groups received 4 weeks oral graded
doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) following Cd-induced liver injury. Cd-induced liver injury (5 mg/
kg i.p for 5 consecutive days) was characterized by deleterious alterations in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total
bilirubin and hepatic total protein (p ˂ 0.05). Also, deleterious alteration of oxidative stress indicators (GSH, SOD
and CAT) and lipid peroxidation index (TBARS) was observed in the liver homogenates. Histopathological ex amination showed evidence of degenerated hepatocytes as well as inflammation with disseminated steatosis.
These conditions were significantly attenuated (p ˂ 0.05) following treatment with graded doses of the extract,
with the highest dose expressing least therapeutic effects. This study concluded that AEVAL attenuated Cd induced liver injury and is, potentially, a suitable option in adjuvant therapy for heavy metal toxicity