Aspalathus Linearis extract ameliorate Haematological disorder, Dyslipidaemia and Tissue toxicity associated with Arsenic exposure in Rats

Abstract

Background: Exposure of human to heavy metals has been shown to pose serious health risk. Aspalathus linearis is enriched with polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to have several medicinal value. This study therefore investigated the roles of Aspalathus linearis extract in ameliorating tissue toxicity associated with Arsenic exposure in Rats Method: Twenty-eight male Wistrar Rats weighing 150 g were randomly divided into four groups containing seven rats each; Group A (10 ppm Arsenic only), group B (10 ppm Arsenic and aqueous extract), Group C (distilled water only) and Group D (aqueous extract only) given for 14 days. Biochemical and haematological analysis were performed using standard methods. Histological analysis was done using Haemtoxylin and Eosin stain Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test using SPSS statistical software. Results: Result showed that arsenic induced significant (p < 0.05) increases in White blood cell and Platelet counts, but decrease in packed cell volume and red blood cell count. The significant (p < 0.05) increases in the concentration of bilirubin, creatinine and urea upon arsenic exposure was decreased when co-administered with A. linearis. Animals exposed to arsenic only showed significant (p < 0.05) increases in hepatic and renal catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) while the activities in testes were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Superoxide dismutase activity and GSH concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver and testes of arsenic exposed group relative to the control and the extract treated groups. Malondialdehyde concentration in the testes of arsenic exposed rats increased significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with the control and the extract treated groups. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the aqueous extracts of A. linearis demonstrated protection against renal and liver tissues and maintained normal testicular redox status.