Hepatoprotective Effects of Syzygium aromaticum Ethanolic Extract against Mercury Chloride Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Ifechukwu Justicia Obiesie
Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
Favour Okwukweka Nwajiobi *
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Mercury chloride is a highly toxic inorganic compound known to induce oxidative stress and severe hepatic damage. Natural plant products with antioxidant properties are increasingly investigated as protective agents against heavy metal toxicity.
Aim: This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum in male Wistar rats exposed to mercury chloride.
Methodology: Twenty-five rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5). Group A served as the control and was given distilled water and food only. Group B received mercury chloride (7.5 mg/kg), Group C received Syzygium aromaticum extract (400 mg/kg), while Groups D and E received mercury chloride followed by Syzygium aromaticum extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, for six weeks. Liver function enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and histological architecture were evaluated.
Results: The results showed that mercury chloride significantly elevated liver enzymes and caused marked hepatic degeneration. Treatment with Syzygium aromaticum extract resulted in dose-dependent reductions in liver enzyme profiles and preservation of hepatic histoarchitecture. Histological analysis revealed mild inflammatory changes in treated groups compared to severe degeneration in the mercury chloride-only rats.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum exerts significant hepatoprotective effects against mercury chloride-induced liver toxicity and may represent a promising natural therapeutic agent.
Keywords: Syzygium aromaticum, hepatoprotective effects, mercury chloride toxicity, liver enzymes, heavy metal toxicity