Modulation of cadmium induced haemato-renal damage by ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii in male Wistar rats

Abstract

The leaf of Pterocarpus mildbraedii is a popular vegetable in Nigeria and in ethnomedicine, it has been usefully applied in the management of various disorders. This study was carried out to investigate the ameliorative potential of ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbreadii on cadmium induced haemato-renal damage in male Wistar rats. The leaf extract and the toxicant were administered orally to four groups of rats at doses of 400 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg body weight respectively for 14 days. Indices of renal function (serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium) and heamatological parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Cadmium caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium. The element also precipitated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in haematological parameters such as Hb, HCT, RBC, MCV, MCHC, lymphocytes and platelets while the levels of WBC, neutrophils and monocytes increased compared to control. Ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbreadii reversed the cadmium induced alterations in haemato-renal indices. Histological observation of the kidney tissue revealed abnormal histological architecture in animals intoxicated with cadmium. Animals treated with leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbreadii did not show any derangement in histology of the kidney tissue. These results suggest the ameliorative potentials of leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbreadii on hematological and renal disorders in the rats. Hence, the leaf extract could be refined and used in medicinal preparations.