Abstract
The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective activities of aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) against lead-induced hepatotoxicity in Rattus norvegicus (albino Wistar rat). The different groups of the animals (groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) were administered a single dose of lead after groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been pre-treated with aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus at concentrations of 50mg/kg, 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg daily, respectively for 21 days. Hepatoprotective effects were studied by the liver marker enzymes concentration assay [Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)]. Hepatotoxicity- induced rats (group 2(control II)) showed increased level of ALT and AST (26.25 ± 1.49 vs 21.57±1.32 and 54.75 ± 5.13 vs 35.5±1.66 U/L, P < 0.05) in serum when compared to group 1(control I). On the other hand, the rats pre-treated with aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus showed hepatoprotective effects by maintaining the levels of ALT (group 3: 14.00± 1.58, group 4: 15.50± 2.18, group 5: 14.75± 2.50 and group 6: 13.75 ± 1.18 U/L) and AST (group 3: 37.75 ± 5.20, group 4: 44.25 ± 2.87, group 5: 51.25 ± 1.89 and group 6: 44.00 ± 1.96 U/L,) in the serum around the normal levels. These were observed to be significantly lower than group 2. This result reveals that aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus demonstrated some degree of hepatoprotection against lead induced hepatocellular injury. Hence, it is recommended that Pleurotus ostreatus be included as one of the functional food with hepatoprotective qualities.
Highlights
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust
The results demonstrated that the administration of high dose of lead in group 2 significantly increased serum levels of acute liver damage indicators
Conclusion it can be concluded that aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus is hepatoprotective against lead induced hepatotoxicity in Wister albino rats
Summary
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination and significant public health problems in many parts of the world [1]. There have been reports of Lead as a common environmental pollutant with its associated environmental effects as a result of its uses in industries in the production of lead-acid batteries, lead wire or pipes, and metal recycling [2,3]. Human beings are being exposed to Lead through contact with lead in air, household dust, soil, water, and commercial products [4]. Eating of food grown in contaminated soil can present lead hazard [5]. When lead is exposed to organs like liver and kidney, it poses a threat to the physiological wellbeing of that individual [6]
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