Efficacy of Azima Tetracantha Leaves Extract on Hematological Status in Cadmium Chloride Induced Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines Cadmium is a toxic metal occurring in the environment naturally and as a pollutant originating from industrial and agricultural sources. In today’s non-smoking population worldwide, food has been found to be the main source of cadmium intake. Medicinal plants play vital roles in disease prevention and their promotion and use fit into all existing prevention strategies. Azima tetracantha, has nutritional, pharmacological and antioxidant properties, thus having several medicinal applications. In the present study to investigate the haematological parameters on exposure to cadmium in adult Wistar rats and the protective effects of Azima tetracantha on cadmium induced hematological changes. Exposure to Cd has proved change in the hematological profile of male rats. This accounts for the toxicity of the cadmium to hematopoietic tissues. The leaf extract of Azima tetracantha which have antioxidant properties reversed the changes in hematological parameters and thus ameliorate the toxic effects of cadmium. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that treatment of rat with Azima tetracantha leaf extract had a marked protective effect against cadmium toxicity.