Ameliorative Effects of Brideliaferruginea Extracts on Cadmium Chloride-Induced Reproductive Hormone Imbalance, Oxidative Stress, Hepatorenal Damage, Hematological Disorders, and Acute Toxicity in Wistar Rats

BackgroundCadmium chloride is a toxic heavy metal that can cause oxidative stress, damage to organs, and disrupt hormonal balance. Brideliaferruginea is a plant with antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Brideliaferruginea extract against cadmium chloride-induced toxicity in rats. MethodsThis study used a randomized controlled design, with 36 rats divided into 6 groups. The rats were treated with cadmium chloride, Brideliaferruginea extract, or a combination of both. The study employed various assay methods, including acute toxicity test, reproductive hormone marker assays, oxidative stress marker assays, hepatic marker assays, and hematological parameter assays. Main findingsThe results showed that cadmium chloride induced significant acute toxicity, as evidenced by 33.33% mortality rate and significant body weight loss (-15.67 {+/-} 3.33 g), whereas co-treatment with BFE (100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced mortality to 0% and reversed body weight loss to a gain of 10.00 {+/-} 2.50g and 20.00 {+/-} 2.50g, respectively. CdCl2 group had significantly lower testosterone, LH, and FSH levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05), significantly higher MDA levels and lower SOD and CAT levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05).significantly higherALT, AST, and ALP levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and significantly lower Hb, PCV, WBC, and RBC levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05) respectively. Co-administration of Brideliaferruginea extract with CdCl2 significantly improved reproductive hormone markers, reduced MDA levels and improved SOD and CAT levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Additionally, ALT, AST, and ALP levels were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), hematological parameters significantly improved in Hb, PCV, WBC, and RBC levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The highest dose of Brideliaferruginea extract (200 mg/kg) showed the most significant improvement in all parameters (p < 0.01). ImplicationsThis study suggests that Brideliaferruginea extract may be a useful therapeutic agent against heavy metal toxicity. The findings have implications for the development of novel treatments for heavy metal poisoning and highlight the potential of Brideliaferruginea extract as a natural remedy for heavy metal toxicity.