Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf against Cadmium- Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats.

Cadmium, a heavy metal, is recognized for its severe toxicity to living organisms, especially its detrimental effects on the kidneys, bones, and respiratory system. Ocimum gratissimum locally referred to as "scent leaf" has pharmacological properties as well as antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. This study evaluated the protective effect of aqueous extract of O. gratissimum leaf on cadmium-induced liver and kidney injury in male Wistar rats. In this experiment, the rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group received water and standard rat pellets, the negative control group was administered 50 mg/kg of CdCl₂ orally once every three days, and the positive control group received the same cadmium dosage along with a prior administration of 100 mg/kg of silymarin. The extract-treated groups were pretreated with 50 mg/kg of CdCl₂ once every three days, coupled with daily administration of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Significant increases (≤ 0.05) in serum levels of ALP, AST, ALT, bilirubin, and creatinine were observed with cadmium exposure, while total protein and urea were significantly decreased (≤ 0.05). SOD, CAT, and GSH were significantly decreased (≤ 0.05), while MDA level was significantly increased (≤ 0.05). However, treatment with silymarin and varying doses of the extract substantially improved liver and renal function indices, as well as restoring the antioxidant status of the rats to near-normal levels. In conclusion, this study suggests that the extract possesses antioxidant and hepato-renal protective properties, offering promise for further investigation into its potential in mitigating cadmiuminduced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]