Comparative Assessment of the Therapeutic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts From Dragon Fruit and Mangosteen on Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Introduction

Because of its incredibly long half-life in the body, cadmium (Cd) is a powerful toxicant that poses a risk to the environment and workers. Even modest exposure levels to Cd can cause severe oxidative stress in the liver and other organs. Therefore, dietary components with established antioxidant activity may be used to avoid or even mitigate Cd intoxication.

Methods

In order to assess and compare the hepatoprotective effects of administering ethanolic extracts of dragon fruit (Df) and mangosteen (MGS) against Cd intoxication in rats, a 4-week study was designed. Seven groups of 70 male rats were created: normal control, ethanol vehicle control, MGS (300 mg/kg), Df (300 mg/kg), Cd-induced group (5 mg/kg), Cd + MGS, and Cd + Df groups.

Results

Cd exposure markedly decreased serum albumin, globulins, and total proteins while increasing levels of lipid profile fractions (apart from HDL-C), liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT), and total bilirubin. Furthermore, despite levels of oxidative stress markers, including MDA, ROS, XO, and NO increased, Cd decreased the liver antioxidant contents of CAT, SOD, GSH, and GPX, in addition to diminishing hepatic immunity, as evidenced by the decreased CD4 and CD8 hepatic levels. Additionally, it was discovered that Cd reduced Bcl-2 and caused hepatic cell death, as indicated by increased BAX and caspase-3 levels, as well as hepatic inflammation, as indicated by increased TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-6 levels. The histological analysis, which showed significant hepatic tissue damage after Cd poisoning, validated these results.

Conclusion

Cd-induced disruptions in estimated biochemical parameters and histological damage were improved in rats treated with either MGS or Df, with marked hepatic ameliorative and antiapoptotic superiority to the Df-treated group. Because of their anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant properties, both plant extracts may be recommended as therapeutic supplements to prevent the liver damage caused by Cd in rats. They are also significantly better at treating Df.