Assessment of the Hepato-protective Effects of Combined Ethanolic Extract of Psidium guajava and Carica papaya Leaves in Rats Challenged with Cadmium

Abstract

It has been shown that herbal extracts can protect intoxicated hepatocytes. Therefore, this study examined the hepato-protective effects of pooled ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava and Carica papaya leaves in rats challenged with Cadmium (Cd). Exactly 200g of the grounded leaves were soaked in ethanol for 48hours and was concentrated after filtration using a rotary evaporator. Fifteen adult female rats (150¬-±10g) were randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 (control: received feed and water alone), Group 2 (Cd group; received single dose of Cd, 30mg/kg b wt, Group 3 (Cd + extract: received Cd as in group 2 and leaf extract 200mg/ kg bwt daily for 2 weeks). Rats were slaughtered and samples were taken for biochemical examination at the conclusion of the study period. When compared to controls, exposure to Cd alone resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as an increase in the level of total protein (TP). Hepatocytes exposed to cd underwent histological changes as well. As opposed to rats exposed to Cd alone, there was a significant decrease in the values of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, and TP when Cd-challenged rats were given the combination ethanolic extract of P. guajava and C. papaya. The outcomes suggest that the biherbal combination of P. guajava and C. papaya can shield liver cells against Cd damage.