Dietary effect of medicinal plants against heavy metal hepatotoxicity in wistar rats

Abstract

Lead, a long-lasting pollutant, has been used by humans for ages, but its production skyrocketed during the industrial revolution, spreading it widely in the environment. Our study delved into the repercussions of lead exposure on hepatotoxicity, focusing on a range of physiological, biochemical, and stress parameters in rats. While examining the protective effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ziziphus spina-christi extracts against lead nitrate induced toxicity in Albino-wistar rats. The latter were assigned to six groups: control, Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract (EU), Ziziphus spina-christi extract (ZSC), lead nitrate (Pb), and combinations of lead nitrate with each extract (Pb+EU, Pb+ZSC). Over 21 days, body weight, liver weight, blood parameters, biochemical markers, and oxidative stress indicators were measured. Lead nitrate exposure was found to be toxic, affecting various physiological and biochemical parameters. The EU and ZSC extracts alone did not significantly alter these parameters. However, when combined with lead nitrate, both extracts demonstrated a protective effect, reducing the negative impact of lead exposure. This suggests that these plant extracts have hepatoprotective and antioxidative properties that may counteract lead toxicity. The study indicates that Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Ziziphus spina-christi extracts could serve as natural therapeutic agents for mitigating heavy metal toxicity. Their potential to improve liver function and reduce oxidative stress warrants further investigation into their mechanisms and possible clinical applications in detoxification strategies.