IKOSINI USERHUMU ESTHER

Lead is a toxic heavy metal associated with renal and hepatic injury through oxidative stress and biochemical disruption. This study evaluated the histomorphological and protective effects of Manihot esculenta leaf extract on lead-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in albino rats. Literature highlights lead’s mechanisms of toxicity and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and organoprotective properties of M. esculenta. Twenty-five albino rats were divided into five groups: control, lead only (60 mg/kg), lead plus extract (500 mg/kg), lead plus extract (1000 mg/kg), and extract only (1000 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 days, after which body weights, organ weights, biochemical parameters, and histological changes were assessed. Body and kidney weights showed no significant differences (p = 0.177; p = 0.753), but liver weights varied significantly (p = 0.010), with hepatomegaly in the lead plus extract (500 mg/kg) group. Biochemical markers (urea, creatinine, electrolytes, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP) were largely unchanged (p > 0.05), except chloride levels (p = 0.035), which were elevated in the lead plus extract (1000 mg/kg) group. Histological analysis revealed hepatocellular degeneration and renal tubular necrosis in the lead-only group, while extract-treated groups showed preserved hepatic cords, intact glomeruli, and reduced inflammatory changes. In conclusion, M. esculenta leaf extract demonstrated dose-dependent protective effects against lead-induced renal and hepatic toxicity, with moderate doses (500 mg/kg) offering optimal benefit. These findings support its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in managing heavy metal toxicity.