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

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The liver is one of the primary biorepositories of cadmium (Cd) and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases. Quassia amara stem bark has been reputed to have strong antimalarial, antimicrobial, antiulcerative and amoebicidal properties. This study aims to determine the effects of Q. amara 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 Q. amara extract (200 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and received the Q. amara 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 Q. amara 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 Q. amara ameliorated the Cd-induced damage to liver by preventing dyslipidemia and oxidative damage in the hepatic tissue.