| Summary: | The effect of administration of methanol extract of T. orientalis leaf on liver function parameters and histology of cadmium induced toxicity in Wistar rats was investigated. In the study, 125 male Wistar albino rats weighing 180 ± 10.00 g were randomly grouped into 5 groups (A - E) with twenty-five (25) rats in each group. Group A rats were administered distilled water and feed only and served as control. Group B rats were given oral administration of 10 mg/kg body weight of Cadmium (Cd), while group C rats were administered 100 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of T. orientalis leaf. Group D and E rats were concurrently given orally, 10 mg/kg body weight of Cd with 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight extract respectively. The serum total protein, albumin and bilirubin concentration and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in Cd-treated group. Though the concentration of total protein and albumin in serum showed insignificant increase following the immediate co- administration of Cd and the extract, further administration up to the final day resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increased in these parameters. The activity of the serum ALT significantly increased following co-treatment with Cd and the leaves extract. Also the serum concentration of total and conjugated bilirubin were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased on co-administration of Cd and the extract when compared with the Cd administration. Histological examination revealed congestion of the group hepatic venule, with blood cells in the hepatocytes accompanied with hypercellularity and diffused cellular balloon. Also there was degeneration and necrosis of hepatic cells in the Cd group. In contrast, the administration of the leaves extract to rats reversed the adverse effect of Cd to the rats. Continuous administration of the plant extract alone caused a mild toxicity in rats liver tissues. This is an indication that dose regulation is critical to monitoring the T. orientalis therapy. Relatively, the plant extract demonstrated a reasonable level of ability to alleviate the risk of Cd toxicity in rats.
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