Possible ameliorative effects of hydromethanol extract of Thymus vulgaris on cadmium induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the possible ameliorative effect of hydromethanol extract of Thymus vulgaris on hepatorenal toxicity induced by cadmium in male rats. The experimental animals were divided into four groups and treated as follows: A (control - 0.5ml of 2% tween 80 in distilled water per os) for 3 weeks and a single subcutaneous dose of phosphate buffered saline, B (single subcutaneous dose of cadmium in phosphate buffered saline at 3 mg/kg); C (500 mg/kg extract per os daily for 3 weeks) and D (single subcutaneous dose of cadmium in phosphate buffered saline at 3 mg/kg + 500 mg/kg extract per os daily for 3 weeks). Cadmium administration resulted in suppression of erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, an elevated total leucocyte count with associated neutrophilia which improved with extract administration. Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and total bilirubin concentration increased with decrease in total serum protein and albumin in cadmium treated group B compared to control group A, group C (extract only) and cadmium plus extract treated group D. Cadmium led to a reduction in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities with increase in the level of malondialdehyde. However, co-administration of extract with cadmium in group D reduced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress induced by cadmium. Histopathological examination of cadmium treated groups showed moderate vacuolar degeneration in the liver and degeneration of the kidney tubules which were ameliorated following co-administration with extract. This study shows that Thymus vulgaris extract has a potential protective effect against cadmium induced hepato-renal injury through the suppression of oxidative stress.