Effects of Myrtus communis leaf extracts on CdCl2-induced metabolic disturbance in male wistar rats

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is widespread in the environment. Cd toxicity targets liver and renal tissues and generates oxidative stress. Medicinal plants produce antioxidants scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chelate heavy metals. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of Myrtus communis leaves hydro-methanol extract (HME) and aqueous extract (AE) on Cdinduced toxicity. The experiments were carried out, during 30 days, on male rats; GR1 (controls), GR2 treated with CdCl2 (18 mg/kg), GR3 co-treated with HME (1 g/kg) and Cd (18 mg/kg), GR4 co-treated with AE (1 g/kg) and Cd (18 mg/kg), GR5 with HME and GR6 with AE. Cd induced changes in biochemical parameters (transaminases, urea, creatinine and blood sugar)related to hepato renal function, increased tissue mortification and decreased animals’ body weight. While the treatment animals, with M. communis leaves (HME) or (AE), regulated blood sugar levels. Hepatic steatosis and loss of glomeruli were particularly induced either by Cd or a co-treatment with Cd and plant extracts. M. communis extracts (HME and EA) can regulate blood sugar levels and prevent cadmium accumulation.