Ameliorative effect of Azima tetracantha extract on Cadmium induced Hepato-Renal oxidative stress: An in vivo approach

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd), an environmental pollutant affects humans through contaminated foodstuffs and industrial processes. Cd accumulates in various organs upon exposure and the primary targets are kidney and liver. Its toxicity induces free radicals, creating oxidative stress, defects in antioxidant mechanism, damage to membrane proteins, DNA damage, necrosis, and apoptosis. In this study hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of Azima tetracantha towards Cd-induced toxicity was investigated by in vivo approach. Ultra Violet (UV) spectral and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis of methanol extract of the Azima tetracantha leaves revealed phenolic compounds. Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) exposure in Wister Albino rats showed a marked increase in lipid profile, enzymatic antioxidants, and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Co-administration of a methanol extract of Azima tetracantha leaves (500 mg/kg/day) with CdCl2 resulted in the reversal of toxicity effects in the kidney and hepatic cells by maintaining the normal histological architecture. Further, reduced lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant defense system activity were observed. Hence, the current study suggests that the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective efficacy of Azima tetracantha in Cd-induced toxicity might result from its antioxidant and metal chelating characteristics that might benefit in reaching the best remedy in Cd-induced damage.