EFFECTS OF Sphenocentrum jollyanum AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT ON CADMIUM CHLORIDE-INDUCED CARDIAC DAMAGE IN WISTAR RATS

Cardiac damage induced by environmental toxins such as cadmium chloride (CdCl₂Cl₂) poses a major public health concern. Cadmium chloride accumulates in tissues, exerting harmful effects through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and hematological parameters. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract such damage. This study evaluated the protective effects of S. jollyanum aqueous leaf extract on cadmium -induced cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Thirty- six Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): Group A control (1ml of distilled water), Group B (10 mg/kg CdCl₂Cl₂), Groups C (150mg/kg extract) and D (300 mg/kg extract), and Groups E (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 150 mg/kg) and F (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 300 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Parameters assessed included body and heart weights, hematological indices (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets), and cardiac histology and histochemistry analysis for Masson’s Trichrome. Group B showed significant reductions in body weight, RBCs, hemoglobin, platelets, and exhibited myocardial degeneration, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption. Co-treatment with S. jollyanum, especially at 300 mg/kg (Group F), significantly reversed these effects, restoring hematological values, preserving myocardial architecture, and maintaining ECM integrity. Histological sections from Group F showed well-aligned cardiomyocytes, normal collagendistribution, and reduced inflammation