Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Magnifera Indica on the Heart of Rats Exposed to Different Duration of Cadmium Contaminated Water

ABSTRACT Exposure of the body organs and systems to heavy metals like cadmium has been found to cause adverse effects, which affect their functionality. The mechanism of cadmium induced organ toxicity or damage has been link to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of natural antioxidant system of the body. In recent years, the use of nature antioxidant in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide and has promoted the use of plants. On such plant of medicinal potential is Mangnifera indica (Mango) and thus, this study was designed to investigate the possible effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Magnifera indica against cadmium-induced cardiovascular tissue toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) adult Wistar rats were randomised into seven groups consisting of five rats each for a study period of 7, 14 and 21 days exposure. Group 1 served as the control group, Group 2, 3 and 4 were ad libitum exposed to 100ppm of cadmium only for 7, 14 and 21 days respectively, while Groups 5, 6 and 7 were treated with 500mg/kg bodyweight of ethanolic Mangnifera indica leaf extract and 100ppm ad libitum cadmium exposure for 7, 14 and 21 respectively. At the end of exposure periods, the body weight was determined and the heart harvested and weight and submitted for histological examination. Results showed a non-significant increase in the body weight changes, and in the relative weight of the heart with histological alteration and damages in the untreated cadmium-exposed groups. These changes in body weight and relative weight of the heart were positively modified but were still non-significant compared with the untreated or control groups. Histological findings in the treated groups were modulated in the treated groups compared the untreated cadmium-exposed. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed treatment of rats with 500mg/kg ethanolic leaf extract of Magnifera indica attenuated cadmium-induced alterations in body, relative weight of the heart and cardiac tissue histomorphology, and thus indicating a potent protective activity by the ethanolic Magnifera indica leaf extract against cadmium-induced cardiovascular system toxicity.