Ameliorative Potential of Nauclea latifolia Stem-Bark Extract against Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 16, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMMS/160057

Original Research Article

Ameliorative Potential of Nauclea latifolia Stem-Bark Extract against Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Mustapha T. Gidado¹, Rose C. Obi², Elizabeth W. Wanjiku¹*

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:

Environmental exposure to heavy metals like cadmium induces severe hepatic tissue degradation through accelerated lipid peroxidation and depletion of cellular antioxidant defenses. This experimental animal study examined the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of a crude ethanolic extract of Nauclea latifolia stem-bark (EENL) against cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult rats were randomly assigned to 5 equal groups: Normal Control, Toxicity Control (cadmium chloride 5 mg/kg body weight orally), Silymarin standard reference control (100 mg/kg), and two treatment groups receiving EENL (200 and 400 mg/kg) orally for 21 consecutive days alongside cadmium administration. Liver structural integrity was evaluated via diagnostic serum enzymes, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) tracking, and histopathological architecture. Oral administration of cadmium caused extensive liver damage, indicated by significant elevations in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (124.6 ± 12.3 U/L vs. 34.2 ± 3.8 U/L in controls, p < 0.01) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (215.8 ± 18.4 U/L vs. 68.2 ± 6.1 U/L, p < 0.01). Cadmium also significantly increased hepatic tissue MDA concentrations and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities (p < 0.01). Daily oral treatment with 400 mg/kg EENL significantly protected against liver injury, lowering serum ALT to 46.2 ± 5.1 U/L and AST to 98.2 ± 8.4 U/L (p < 0.01 vs. toxicity control). Furthermore, EENL reduced tissue lipid peroxidation and preserved endogenous antioxidant defenses. Histopathology confirmed these results, showing minimal hepatocyte necrosis and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Nauclea latifolia stem-bark possesses potent antiperoxidative properties that protect hepatic tissue from heavy-metal-induced injury.

Keywords: Nauclea latifolia, Cadmium Chloride, Hepatotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, Lipid Peroxidation, Hepatoprotection

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2026; Revised: June 20, 2026; Accepted: July 14, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026.

Citation: Gidado MT, Obi RC, Wanjiku EW. Ameliorative Potential of Nauclea latifolia Stem-Bark Extract against Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2026, 16(8): 57–64. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMMS/160057

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