SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Consuming toxic chemicals and substances can induce gastric damage to the stomach, which can result in serious medical disorders, cancer, and even death. Traditional herbs are being studied and processed into contemporary medications that are used to treat a variety of illnesses and medical issues. Mistletoe extracts have a long history of usage as secondary treatments for a variety of illnesses. Additionally, they include antioxidants such flavonoids, which have effects both in vitro and in vivo, and they have also been documented to exert specific pharmacological actions (such as cytotoxic and immunomodulatory). This study was carried out to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of mistletoe on lead acetate˗induced gastric damage in adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats weighing between 150g and 250g were grouped into six; Group A, B, C, D, E and F. Each groups was made of up 5 rats and the rats were fed with grower mash feed (Primer Feed mill, Nigeria) and had free access to water throughout the entire period of study. Group A served as control. Group B rats were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and 200mg/kg extract of Mistletoe (low dose). Group C rats were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and 400mg/kg extract of Mistletoe (intermediate dose). Group D were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and 800mg/kg extract of Mistletoe (high dose). Group E were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate only. Group F were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and standard drug 500mg/kg (Omeprazole). After receiving the treatment for 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. Choloform was used to render the rats unconscious. The stomach was removed, weighed, and placed in 10% formal˗saline to prevent autolysis before being sent to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) histopathology department for tissue processing and histological evaluation. The results from this research shows that there was significant increase (P<0.05) of body weight in Group A, B, C, D and F when the initial body weight were compared to the final body weights. There was no significant difference (P˃0.5) of gastrosomatic index across all the groups. There was no significant difference (P˃0.05) of gastric weight across all the groups. The Viscum album extract had a dose dependent ameliorative, therapeutic and protective effect on the gastric damage caused by lead acetate on the stomach as revealed and seen in the histology results.

With a heart full of gratitude, I first give all glory and thanks to GOD ALMIGHTY for His unfailing love, guidance, and provision, which has carried me through every stage of this project. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, DR. AUSTIN IROGHAMA ARHOMAREN, whose patience, guidance, and encouragement were instrumental to the success of this work. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my Head of Department, DR. (MRS.) ZAINAB OMORUYI, for her motherly leadership and constant encouragement. I remain thankful to all my lecturers PROF. OSIME, DR. MRS. OBAZELU, DR. MRS. OTIKOR, MR.UZAMERE, DR. OSAKWE, DR. ERHABOR, and DR. MRS. OTUTU and others for their dedication, teachings, and the wealth of knowledge they have imparted in me. To my beloved parents, MR. AND MRS. FRIDAY OSHODIN, I owe special thanks for their sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support. I am equally grateful to my siblings JOY, RUTH, EFOSA, BLESSING, AIMUA , for their love, encouragement, and constant belief in me. I also appreciate the prayers, fellowship, and spiritual covering of my place of worship, CHRIST IMPACT ASSEMBLY, which has been a pillar of strength to me all through my journey so far. Finally, my warmest appreciation goes to my dear friends DIVINE, ABEL, FAVOUR, ELIZABETH, JESSICA and my senior colleague, MICHEAL, for their encouragement, support, and friendship all through this journey.