Anti-Tumor Like Potential of Plumbago Zeylanica on the Oxidative Stress Markers & Histomorphology of the Thyroid Gland of Male Adult Wistar Rats Exposed to Cadmium.

ABSRACT This research investigates the potential anti-tumor-like effects of Plumbago zeylanica on the thyroid gland, oxidative stress markers, and hormonal balance in adult male Wistar rats exposed to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to cause thyroid disruption and tumor formation. Exposure to environmental contaminants, including cadmium, has been linked to adverse health outcomes, such as cancer and thyroid dysfunction. Cadmium exposure can disrupt hormonal balance, induce oxidative stress, and lead to histomorphological changes in the thyroid gland. This study aims to examine the protective effects of Plumbago zeylanica, a medicinal plant known for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. Results reveal a significant decrease in animal weight in both control and treatment groups, with a more pronounced decrease in the treatment groups. Analysis of biochemical markers shows that cadmium exposure leads to increased tumor necrotic factor (TNF-Alpha), malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in thyroid tissues. The treatment with Plumbago zeylanica mitigates these effects, suggesting its potential in alleviating cadmium-induced thyroid damage. Histological analysis further demonstrates the protective role of Plumbago zeylanica, as it maintains normal thyroid histomorphology in treated groups compared to the distorted thyroid glands in the cadmium-exposed group. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Plumbago zeylanica in preventing thyroid gland damage caused by environmental pollutants like cadmium. It offers insights into potential natural-based strategies to safeguard thyroid health, reduce oxidative stress, and combat the risk of tumor formation.