English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that accumulates in various organs such as liver, kidney, and other organs. It generates reactive oxygen species, thereby resulting in pathological changes in the organs it accumulates in by depleting antioxidants. Apium graveolens (AG) and Aloe vera (AV) are rich sources of antioxidants. Zinc (Zn) is an important antioxidant trace element present in various tissues and this protects the organs from the toxic effects of cadmium. We wanted to compare the protective effect of AG and AV with and without Zn supplementation in Cd exposed liver and kidneys of Wistar rats. METHODS Male Wistar albino rats were divided into 11 groups. The control group received only vehicle, the experimental groups were administered with 10 mg / Kg bw of CdCl2, 40mg / Kg bw of ZnCl2, 200 mg / Kg bw of AG and AV, 400mg / K bw AG and AV separately and in combination. After 56 days, the animals were sacrificed and histopathology was done. RESULTS Cd resulted in significant tissue damage of liver and kidney. AG, AV and Zn were able to offer protection to these tissues. CONCLUSIONS AG, AV and Zn by virtue of their antioxidant properties, protect the liver and kidney from damages due to Cd more effectively in rats. KEY WORDS Cadmium, Zinc, Kidney, Liver, Apium graveolens, Aloe vera