Assessment of the Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Momordica balsamina on Oxidative Markers and Renal Function Parameters in Lead-induced Nephrotoxic Wistar Rats
Jul 2026· Asian Journal of Biochemistry Genetics and Molecular Biology· 0 citations
TL;DR
The findings suggest that ethanol leaf extract of M. balsamina ameliorated oxidative stress and reduced the functional impact of lead toxicity on the kidneys by improving renal function.
Abstract
Background: Lead toxicity is one of the most harmful heavy metal poisonings in humans and animals. It affects the kidneys’ ability to excrete waste and toxic substances, thereby causing oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney damage.
Aims: This study investigated the effects of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina on renal function parameters and oxidative markers in lead-induced nephrotoxic Wistar rats.
Methodology: Acute toxicity testing was conducted using Lorke’s (1983) method. Thirty (30) healthy adult Wistar rats, weighing 180–200 g and obtained from the Animal House of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received standard feed and water. Group II (negative control) received 50 mg/kg lead acetate only for 14 days. Group III (positive control) received 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 14 days and was then treated with 70 mg/kg silymarin for 28 days. Groups IV, V and VI received 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 14 days and were then treated with graded doses of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively) for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and renal function parameters, including sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine, were determined using standard laboratory methods.
Results: Lead acetate administration significantly increased serum MDA, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea and creatinine levels, with significant reductions in catalase, superoxide dismutase and bicarbonate levels when compared with the normal control. However, treatment with ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina caused a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant enzyme activity and improved renal function parameters when compared with the negative control group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that ethanol leaf extract of M. balsamina produced no visible toxic effect even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The leaf extract of M. balsamina ameliorated oxidative stress and reduced the functional impact of lead toxicity on the kidneys by improving renal function.
Aims: To evaluate the protective effects of hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya and Chromolaena odorata, administered individually and in combination, against cadmium-induced intestinal oxidative damage in Wistar rats.
Study Design: Experimental animal study.
Place and Duration of Study: Animal House, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between February 2025 and October 2025.
Methodology: Forty-eight albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6). Intestinal injury was induced by oral administration of cadmium chloride (20 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days, followed by treatment with hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya (300 and 600 mg/kg), Chromolaena odorata (250 and 500 mg/kg), or their combined extracts (300 and 600 mg/kg) for 14 days. Phytochemical constituents of both plants were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, while heavy metal contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum cadmium concentration, intestinal oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde), and histopathological changes were evaluated using standard analytical methods. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test at P < 0.05.
Results: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the presence of diverse bioactive phytochemicals in both plant extracts, while heavy metal concentrations were within recommended safety limits. Cadmium exposure significantly increased serum cadmium concentration and malondialdehyde levels while significantly reducing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities compared with the normal control (P < 0.05). Treatment with the hydromethanolic leaf extracts significantly reduced serum cadmium concentration, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, and improved intestinal histoarchitecture in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose C. papaya extract showed the greatest recovery of superoxide dismutase activity, whereas the high-dose combined extract was most effective in reducing lipid peroxidation and improving intestinal histoarchitecture.
Conclusion: Hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya and Chromolaena odorata protected against cadmium-induced intestinal oxidative injury by reducing cadmium burden, improving antioxidant status, and preserving intestinal tissue architecture. While the high-dose C. papaya extract produced the greatest recovery of superoxide dismutase activity, the combined extract showed marked protective effects, particularly in reducing lipid peroxidation and preserving intestinal histoarchitecture, suggesting its potential as a phytotherapeutic approach against cadmium-induced intestinal toxicity.
Igattah, Prudence Akachukwu, Waribo, Helen Anthony, Ibama Onengiyeofori· European Journal of Medicina...· 0 citations
The AETP flower extract demonstrates dosedependent protective effects on the liver against PCM-induced liver injury, likely attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.
Abhishek Bhattacharjee, P. Paul, Sumana Majumder et al.· Journal of Clinical and Diag...· 0 citations
Potassium bromate (KBr) is a potent oxidizing agent that induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic injury. This study evaluated the protective effects of Solanum aethiopicum leaf extract against KBr-induced alterations in liver function and inflammatory cytokines in Wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats (140–150 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6): normal control, KBr (50 mg/kg), KBr + S. aethiopicum extract (300 mg/kg), KBr + S. aethiopicum extract (600 mg/kg), and KBr + vitamin C (100 mg/kg). Potassium bromate was administered for two weeks before treatment with the extract or vitamin C. Serum liver function indices (total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin) and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β and TNF-α) were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Potassium bromate significantly disrupted liver function parameters and reduced (P < 0.05) IL-1β levels compared with the control, indicating hepatic dysfunction and impaired inflammatory homeostasis. Treatment with S. aethiopicum extract significantly restored IL-1β concentrations while maintaining TNF-α levels comparable to the control. The extract also ameliorated KBr-induced alterations in serum proteins and bilirubin. In conclusion, S. aethiopicum leaf extract protected against potassium bromate-induced hepatic dysfunction and inflammatory disturbances, supporting its potential as a natural hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory agent. Further studies are recommended to elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action.
Keywords: inflammation, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, potassium bromate, Solanum aethiopicum.
Okon Victoria Edem, Idam Benedict Umagu, I. Nnah· IAA Journal of Biological Sc...· 0 citations
Under the present experimental conditions, FVMF was not supported as a candidate for managing hepatorenal injury; its reported cytotoxic and anticancer activities require separate evaluation.
Okwulu O. J., R. A. Oguntoye, I. Lawal et al.· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
Background: The oxidative stress caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) damages hepatocytes and reduces liver function. In this context, flavonoids and acetogenins found in soursop (Annona muricata L.) leaf have hepatoprotective and antioxidant qualities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of Annona muricata leaf extract on hepatocyte index and hepatic histopathology in diabetic Wistar rats.Methods: In a laboratory experiment, 16 male Wistar rats weighing 100–150 g and aged 2-3 months were given a high-fat diet and an injection of streptozotocin (27.5 mg/kg BW) to induce type 2 diabetes. Rats were placed in a randomized posttest-only control group. For 21 days, these experimental animals were split into two groups at random, namely control (n = 8) receiving aquadest, and treatment group (n = 8) receiving Annona muricata leaf extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to analyze hepatic histopathology, and a quantitative evaluation of hepatocyte index was conducted. The independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were adopted to assess the data. Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.041) in hepatocyte index between treatment and control groups. Treatment group had less hepatocyte deterioration than the control, according to histopathological scoring (p=0.037).Conclusion: Diabetic Wistar rats treated with Annona muricata leaf extract showed better hepatocyte index and decreased hepatic degeneration, suggesting hepatoprotective potential
Dewa Ayu Agung Alit Suka Astini, Desak Putu Oki Lestari, L. G. Evayanti et al.· The Indonesian Journal of Ga...· 0 citations
Potassium bromate (KBrO₃) is a potent oxidizing agent that induces oxidative stress and hepatic injury. This study investigated the protective effects of flavonoids extracted from Solanum aethiopicum leaves against KBrO₃-induced alterations in liver function, antioxidant status, and lipid profile in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 5): normal control, S. aethiopicum flavonoids (500 mg/kg), KBrO₃ (50 mg/kg), KBrO₃ + flavonoids (250 mg/kg), and KBrO₃ + flavonoids (500 mg/kg). At the end of the treatment period, serum liver function indices, antioxidant enzymes were determined using standard biochemical methods. Potassium bromate significantly (P < 0.05) reduced serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), while significantly increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, malondialdehyde (MDA). Administration of S. aethiopicum flavonoids significantly reversed these alterations in a dose-dependent manner, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing greater protective effects than the 250 mg/kg dose. The flavonoid extract restored antioxidant enzyme activities, improved liver synthetic and excretory functions. These findings demonstrate that flavonoids extracted from Solanum aethiopicum leaves possess significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant properties against potassium bromate-induced toxicity. The observed protective effects are likely mediated through free radical scavenging, preservation of hepatocyte membrane integrity, and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Solanum aethiopicum flavonoids therefore represent a promising natural therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of oxidative stress-mediated liver dysfunction and associated metabolic disturbances.
Keywords: Hepatoprotective, antioxidants, flavonoids, Solanum aethiopicum, potassium bromate.
Okon Victoria Edem, Agabi Martina· IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTR...· 0 citations
