Wistar Rats

Environmental toxicants, such as arsenic, pose significant health risks, particularly to vital organs like the kidneys. As key organs responsible for filtration and detoxification, the kidneys are especially vulnerable to the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by arsenic exposure. Inorganic arsenic, a highly toxic form found in contaminated water, food, and soil, accumulates in kidney tissues, leading to cellular damage, impaired function, and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and other renal disorders. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by arsenic disrupts cellular homeostasis, damages mitochondrial function, and triggers proinflammatory responses, exacerbating kidney injury. Nutrient-rich foods like Persea americana offer a potential protective strategy against arsenic-induced kidney damage. Persea americana are abundant in antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and unsaturated fatty acids that combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular resilience. These bioactive compounds help neutralize ROS, improve mitochondrial
function, and mitigate arsenic's toxic effects on kidney tissues, supporting overall renal health and function. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Persea americanaon arsenic-induced kidney damage in fully-grown Wistar rats. Thirty (30) fully-grown Wistar rats were used weighing between 130g and 150g. They were grouped into six groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The rats in Group A served as the control, and the rats in Group B were administered10mg/kg of Arsenic Trioxide, the rats in Group C were administered 140mg/kg body weight ofSilymarin and 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide, the rats in Group D were administeredwith125mg/kg of Persea americana and 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide, the rats in Group Ewere administered with 250mg/kg of Persea americana and 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide and the rats in Group F were administered with 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 14 days and allowed to recover. The administration period spanned 28 days after which they were sacrificed and the kidneys harvested were collected for biochemical and histological assessments. Results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the kidney weight, and Reno-somatic index across the experimental groups, there was a significant decrease in the weight of the group treatedwith10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide compared to the control group. In the case of the oxidative stress parameters arsenic, caused a is significant decrease in SOD, and GPX activities and a significant
increase in MDA activities when compared with control while treatment group was able to reverse these significant changes except for the recovery group. For the urea and creatinine level, there was a significant increase in the groups given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide and the group that was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide and left to recover. The other groups had no significant difference in the urea and creatinine level when compared to the control group. Inconclusion, this study suggests that Persea americana provides protection against arsenic trioxide-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus on blood glucose, body weight and liver, kidney and pancreas reduced glutathione levels on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the animals (diabetic control and diabetic treated), by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (45mg/body weight), while the control groups received equal volume of the citrate buffer (pH 4.5) solution intraperitoneally. Streptozotocin treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in the diabetic rats compared to the normal rats. The normal treated and diabetic treated rats were given Cymbopogon citratus extract for 21 days (400mg/body weight). The pancreas, livers, and kidneys of the rats were excised and biochemical assay of reduced glutathione was determined. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the normal treated rats when compared with the normal control rats at the end of the 21 days treatment period. Levels of blood glucose in the diabetic rats were significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the normal control rats. However, levels of blood glucose in the diabetic treated rats were not significantly different (p>0.05) when compared to the diabetic control rats. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight in the diabetic rats when compared to the normal control rats. There was no significant % weight (p>0.05) gain in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats and also there was a non- significant (p>0.05) decrease in weight in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats. In the liver and the pancreas, the results for reduced glutathione concentration showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats, in the diabetic control rats when compared to the normal control rats and in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats. In thekidney, there was no significant difference observed (p>0.05) when the normal treated rats were compared with the normal control rats and when the diabetic treated rats were compared with thenormal control rats. However, when the diabetic treated rats were compared with the diabeticcontrol rats, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Cymbopogon citratus does have somehypoglycemic and antioxidant properties but further research is needed to ascertain these claims.

This study investigates the renoprotective potential of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Garcinia kola (GL) stem bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with severe complications, including diabetic nephropathy, which remains a leading cause of kidney failure. The search for plant-based therapeutic agents with minimal side effects has intensified, particularly in traditional medicinal systems where Garcinia kola is widely utilized. In this experiment, diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ), after which the animals were treated with varying doses of the DCM fraction of GL stem bark. Biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, urea, electrolyte levels, and blood glucose were evaluated, alongside histopathological examination of kidney tissues. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were also assessed to determine the mechanism of action. The results demonstrated that treatment with the DCM fraction significantly reduced elevated blood glucose levels and improved renal function indices compared to untreated diabetic controls. There was also a marked decrease in oxidative stress markers, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant defense systems. Histological findings revealed preservation of kidney architecture in treated groups, indicating protection against STZ-induced renal damage. In conclusion, the DCM fraction of Garcinia kola stem bark exhibits significant renoprotective effects in diabetic Wistar rats, likely mediated through its antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in the management of diabetic nephropathy, warranting further investigation into its active constituents and clinical applicability.

Medicinal plants have long been essential in traditional and alternative medicine due to their accessibility, affordability, and minimal side effects. Combining two or more herbs can provide diverse health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal formulated tea comprising Anthocleista djalonensis, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Ageratum conyzoides, and Thespesia garckeana on haematological indices in Wistar rats with hyperlipidaemia induced by an atherogenic diet. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 as the cholesterol control, groups 3 and 4 received polyherbal tea at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, and group 5 was treated with atorvastatin (5 mg/kg). Hyperlipidaemia was induced in groups 2 to 5 by administering 10 mg/kg of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. Treatments and the cholesterol diet were administered orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected and analysed using a haematology auto analyser. The polyherbal tea at both 20 and 40 mg/kg doses significantly reduced platelet counts compared to the cholesterol control group (p < 0.01), while other haematological parameters remained unaffected (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the polyherbal tea may have antiplatelet and cardioprotective effects.

This study investigated the protective effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind extract against cadmium-induced toxicity,on lipid profiles in Wistar rats. Twenty rats were divided into five groups: a control, a cadmium-only group, a cadmium with vitamin C group, and two groups receiving cadmium along with watermelon rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results showed that cadmium exposure significantly suppressed weight gain and induced dyslipidemia, expressed by elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Treatment with the hydroethanolic watermelon rind extract, particularly at the 500 mg/kg dose, ameliorated these effects, resulting in a significant increase in percentage weight gain and a normalization of the lipid profile, comparable to the protective effects of vitamin C. The extract did not significantly reduce blood cadmium levels, suggesting its mechanism is likely cyto protection through antioxidant activity rather than metal chelation. The results show that watermelon rind phytowaste possesses bioactive compounds that can mitigate cadmium induced metabolic disturbances.

This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of a bi-herbal aqueous leaf extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic untreated control, a group treated with glibenclamide (10mg/kg), and three groups treated with the bi-herbal extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were monitored. The results showed that the bi-herbal extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in a manner comparable to glibenclamide. Furthermore, the extract significantly ameliorated diabetes-induced dyslipidemia, as evidenced by reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in the treated groups compared to the untreated diabetic control. The study concludes that the bi-herbal extract possesses significant antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties, validating its traditional use in diabetes management.

Lead exposure is thought to be harmful and has been linked to behavioral abnormalities, hearing deficiencies, neuromuscular weakness, and decreased cognitive abilities in humans. Flavonoids have beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, anticarcinogenic effects. Flavonoids are the most recognised phytochemicals that function as antioxidants. Flavonoids' antioxidant activity includes suppressing ROS generation by inhibiting enzymes, scavenging free radicals, and regulating antioxidant defenses. Rutin is a typical dietary flavonoid that is nontoxic and naturally derived. It has a variety of beneficial biological properties including anti-cancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, haematoprotective, anti-arthritis, anthelmintic effects. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the possible attenuative effects of Rutin on lead-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. After purchase and acclimatization, the Wistar rats were weighed and divided into six equal groups (control and treatment groups). Group A (Control) was administered 1 ml dH2O/day. Group B (Pb) was administered 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Pb acetate only. Group C (RUT1 + Pb) was administered 50 mg/kg BW of Rutin and 100 mg/kg BW of Pb acetate. Group D (RUT2 + Pb) was administered 100 mg/kg BW of Rutin and 100mg/kg of Pb acetate. Group E (RUT1) was administered 50 mg/kg BW of Rutin only and Group F (RUT2) was administered 100mg/kg BW of Rutin only. The administration, via an orogastric tube, lasted for 28 days and rats were fed with standard rat chow and had free access to water throughout the entire study period. All Rutin administration pre-treatment were done one hour before Lead. Animals were weighed and neurobehavioral activity (Novel object recognition test) was evaluated. The rats were then sacrificed for sample collection, and the hippocampus was harvested for assessment of antioxidant activity and histological alterations . The findings showed that the Pb group showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in final body weight (FBW) compared to the control and Rutin treated groups, which showed a greater FBW. Neurobehavioral findings revealed that rats in the Pb group had significantly lower neurobehavioral function when compared to Control and Rutin treated groups. The Pb alone groups demonstrated oxidative stress (low antioxidant activity and increased lipid peroxidation), whereas the Control and Rutin treated groups had significant increase (p<0.05) in antioxidant activity. Histological findings shows altered morphology with the presence of vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei in the CA1 region of the Pb treated group, however the pretreated groups showed a healthier tissue architecture when compared to lead only treated group. In conclusion, the findings showed that Rutin was not toxic to the animals and protected against Pb toxicity.

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is an herbaceous plant from the Fragaria genus. It is a well-known plant with a widely enjoyed fruit. Strawberry, like other common fruits, contains antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), folic acid, and essential oils It is also high in minerals like iodine, magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorus, as well as vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Hormones have critical role in fertility management and regulation. Endocrine glands produce hormones and release them to target organs in response to stimulation via negative or positive feedback mechanisms. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of Fragaria ananassa (strawberry fruit) extract on male reproductive function by analyzing the male hormones in adult male wistar rat. A total of twenty (20) adult male wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were divided into four (4) experimental groups (A-D) with five (n=5) rats in each group. The rats were acclimatized for two weeks before commencement of administration. Group A was the control group. Group B, C and D were administered 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of fragaria ananassa extract orally via gavage respectively. The rats were anesthetized using chloroform vapor and were terminally bled by cardiac puncture. The blood samples were collected using a heparinized tube for hormonal assay. Testosterone was determined by competitive enzyme immunoassay (TYPE 7) and Luteinizing hormone was determined by Immunoenzymometric assay (TYPE 3). The result were statistically analyzed using Graph-Pad prism version 8.0. Comparison within groups were done using one-way ANOVA. The result were presented as mean ±SEM and p-value less than 0.05(P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. The result showed non-significant difference in the hormones (Testosterone and Luteinizing hormone) in group B, C and D when compared to the control group (Group A). In conclusion aqueous extract of Fragaria ananassa (strawberry fruit) does not have significant effect on the reproductive hormones (Testosterone and Luteinizing hormone) in adult male wistar rats.

This study investigated the effects of 28-day oral administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on haematological parameters in wistar rats. The plant which is widely used in West African traditional medicine, is known for its therapeutic benefits, yet its prolonged safety on blood indices remains scarcely explored. Twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were analyzed for red and white blood cell indices, as well as platelet parameters, using standard hematological techniques. The results revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in total white blood cell, monocyte, and granulocyte counts at the lowest dose (250 mg/kg), while higher doses maintained values comparable to the control. Red blood cell indices—including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume—remained within normal physiological limits, suggesting no adverse effect on erythropoiesis. Platelet counts were greatly unaffected, though a temporary decrease in plateletcrit and platelet distribution width was observed at low dose. Overall, the extract did not produce any clinically significant haematotoxic effect but demonstrated mild dose-dependent immunomodulatory influence. These findings suggest that aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is relatively
safe on haematological profiles within the tested range, supporting its traditional use while emphasizing the need for dose regulation in prolonged administration.

Nickel chloride (NiCl2) is a widespread environmental contaminant that causes neurotoxicity, with the cerebellum showing particular vulnerability due to its central role in motor coordination and high metabolic demands. Memantine, a non-competitive
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. It is hypothesized that its neuroprotective properties could be beneficial in the mitigation of cerebellar damage caused by nickel chloride. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of memantine on the nickel chloride induced cerebellar toxicity in wistar rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into eight groups: Control, nickel chloride only, high dose of memantine + nickel chloride, low dose of memantine + nickel chloride, high dose of memantine, low dose of memantine. The treatment protocol ran for 28 days. A served as control and received 1ml of distilled water daily to compensate for stress of administration, whereas, rats in group B received 2.5mg/kg of NiCl₂, rats in group C received 10mg/kg Og memantine(low dose) and 2.5mg/kg of NiCl₂, rats in group D received 20mg/kg of memantine (high dose) and 2.5mg/kg of NiCl₂, rats in group E received 10mg/kg of memantine (low dose) and rats in group F received 20mg/kg of memantine (high dose). Administration of memantine was done orally using an orogastric tube while the administration of nickel chloride was done via intraperitoneal injection. It lasted for 28days. The body weight of the rats were recorded daily. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ( cerebrum) weight was recorded. The parameters accessed include cerebral antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), MDA concentration and the histology of the cerebrum using
Hematoxylin and Eosin staining technique. Results obtained showed no significant change (p>0.05) in the initial body weight and final body weight. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the weight change of rats in group B when compared to control, however, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the weight of groups C and D when compared to group B. No significant change (p>0.05) was observed in the cerebellar and relative cerebellar weight of rats across experimental groups. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in cerebellar SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group B (2.5 mg/kg bw. NiCl2) when compared to the control. A significant increase (p>0.05) in cerebellar MDA concentrations was observed in the weights of rates in group B (2.5 mg/kg bw. NiCl2 ) when compared with group A. Severe histological alterations in the cerebellum of nickel-chloride exposed rats were observed. However, pre-treatment with memantine mitigated the adverse effects induced by NiCl2. In conclusion, findings from this study shows that memantine exerted antioxidant properties as well as mitigating the histological alterations in the cerebellum.