Protective effect of Antigonon leptopus (Hook et. Arn) in cadmium induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Abstract Background Antigonon leptopus is a medicinal plant its leaves has not been reported for protective effects against cadmium induced hepatorenal toxicity. Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential toxic metal used in industrial process, causes severe risk to human health with high levels. It is accumulated primarily in liver and kidney. Methods Male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were divided into 6 groups (n = 6) and had free access to diet and water. Cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg b.w/day) was administered orally for 21 days and methanolic extract of Antigonon leptopus (ALME) was administered to groups of cadmium treated rats at daily doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w;p.o. for 21 days. At the end, liver and kidney markers along with antioxidant parameters are evaluated. Results The results indicated that, administration of cadmium significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels liver enzymes in serum and bilirubin levels, decreases in total proteins and albumin; in addition to the levels of uric acid, urea and creatinine were increased in the serum. Glutathione (GSH) levels and the enzyme catalase activities were significantly(p < 0.05) decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in hepatic and renal tissues of cadmium treated rats. The pre-administration of ALME at all the three test doses, alleviated hepatorenal toxicity in cadmium treated rats, used Silymarin (100 mg/kg) as standard. Moreover, ALME treatment was able to reverse the histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues, and increased the red blood cells, hemoglobin content and decreased prothrombin time and white blood cells. Conclusion Among all the three test doses, ALME at 200 mg/kg have shown significant antioxidant effect and also exerts beneficial effect against cadmium induced hepatorenal toxicity.