Ethanolic Extract of Myristica fragrans (Houtt) seeds ameliorates cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in female wistar rats

Abstract

The effects of Myristica fragrans on cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity was studied in female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups of six rats per group. Group I was given normal saline (10ml/kg) for five weeks. Group II was given cadmium sulphate at a dose of 1.5mg/100kg body weight for three weeks. Group III received cadmium and Myristica fragrans extract at doses of 1.5mg/100kg body weight and 150mg/kg body weight respectively. Group IV received Myristica fragrans extract at a dose of 150mg/kg body weight for two weeks followed by cadmium at a dose of 1.5mg/100kg body weight from the third to the fifth week. Group V was given cadmium for the first three weeks followed by Myristica fragrans for the fourth and fifth weeks. Both cadmium sulphate and Myristica frangrans extract were administered orally. The levels of the liver enzymes in the serum and some markers to assay for kidney functions were measured. The results showed that cadmium sulphate significantly increased liver enzymes, Creatinine and Urea serum levels. There was also a significant decrease in Glutathione and Total protein serum levels compared with the healthy control group p < 0.05. Myristica fragrans extract showed significant reduction (p<0.05) in the levels of Alkaline Phosphatase, Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, Creatinine and Urea while it significantly increased (p<0.05) levels of Glutathione and Total protein when compared to the cadmium control group.Myristica fragrans seed has protective and therapeutic potentials against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in female albino rats.