Effects of dietary supplementation of node weed ( Synedrella nodiflora ) on toxicity of copper and lead in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

The effect of dietary supplementation using node weed (Synedrella nodiflora) on the toxicity induced by single or combined doses of copper and lead in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was investigated. Cu 1500 mg kg−1 and Pb 600 mg kg−1 were given orally as Cu(II) sulphate and Pb acetate. Single and combined doses of these metals were fed to animal groups with diet supplemented with node weed in one set of groups (A, B and C) and the other set of groups (D, E and F) without node weed supplementation. Behavioural changes were unaltered in both diet groups although mortality rate was higher in the animals lacking node weed supplementation. Haematological changes were significant in both diet groups, however elevated lymphocyte levels were observed in animals with node weed supplemented diet. Histological changes were pronounced in both dietary groups as evidenced by massive lymphocyte infiltration of the liver and kidney which was more severe in the group with supplemented diet. Statistical analysis carried out between the treatment groups did not show any significant differences and this was attributed to the short duration of the experiment.