Toxicity amelioration potentials of Spondias mombin aqueous leaf extract in cadmium and mercury co-exposed Wistar rats

This study investigated the corrective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin (SM) on liver and kidney function in Wistar rats co-exposed to mercury and cadmium toxicities. Thirty (30) male rats weighing 120–150g were randomly divided into ten (10) groups of three (3) rats each. Group I which served as negative control received normal rat feeds and distilled water ad libitum; Groups II and V received different doses of CdCl₂ and HgCl₂ respectively, with no plant extract administered. Groups III and VI received toxicants and 500 mg/kg b. w. of SM daily; Groups IV and VII received toxicants and 100 mg/kg b. w. of silymarin; Group VIII rats were co-exposed to CdCl₂ and HgCl₂ toxicants. Group IX rats were administered with CdCl₂, HgCl₂ and SM while Group X received CdCl₂, HgCl₂ and silymarin. The experimental animals were sacrificed at day 28; blood samples were collected for biochemical assays while the liver and kidney were harvested for histological investigations. Administration of CdCl₂ and HgCl₂ to rats resulted in significant (P<0.05) increase in serum liver enzymes activity. However, treatment of the exposed groups with SM resulted in reduced ALT activity. Administration of the toxicants also resulted significant (P<0.05) detrimental changes in kidney function; Creatinine levels increased from 159.67±0.88µmol/l in Group I to 213.67±34.21µmol/l in the CdCl₂ + HgCl₂ group. Histological assessment revealed that liver architecture was preserved by the administered leaf extract. Findings suggest that S. mombin leaves exhibit ameliorative effects against mercury and cadmium-triggered stress and organ damage in Wistar rats.