Chelation activity and protective effect of Caulerpa lentillifera aqueous extract against lead acetate-induced toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract

Lead is a multi-systemic toxicant when it accumulates and hazardous to health. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of Caulerpa lentillifera aqueous extract on lead accumulation in internal organs and liver functions of lead-intoxicated rats. Twenty four Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6). Group I was healthy rats treated saline (2 ml/kg of bwt) daily for 28 days. Group II was healthy rats treated with C. lentillifera aqueous extract (500 mg/kg of bwt) daily for 28 days. Group III was intoxicated with lead acetate (20 mg/kg of bwt) daily for 4 days, and then treated with saline (2 ml/kg of bwt) for another 24 days. Group IV was intoxicated with lead acetate (20 mg/kg of bwt) daily for 4 days and then treated with C. lentillifera aqueous extract (500 mg/kg of bwt) for another 24 days. Physical signs of illness were monitored on a daily basis. Lead accumulation in internal organs was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and liver function markers were determined using assay kits. Lead intoxication significantly (p