article · Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research
Cadmium acts a toxic environmental heavy metal that interferes renal function, electrolyte balance, and lipid metabolism through oxidative stress. This study investigated the comparative protective effects of Vitamin C and ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera on serum electrolyte homeostasis, renal biomarkers, and lipid profiles in Wistar rats induced with cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups: a control, a CdCl₂ only group, and three treatment groups receiving CdCl₂ plus Vitamin C (100 mg/kg) or Tetrapleura tetraptera (100 or 200 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28days. Blood samples were analysed for biochemical parameters using standard enzymatic and spectrophotometric assays. Results revealed that cadmium exposure significantly reduced sodium and bicarbonate levels while increasing potassium, urea, and creatinine, indicating renal dysfunction and metabolic acidosis. Lipid alterations were also observed, with elevated LDL and reduced HDL. Vitamin C and Tetrapleura tetraptera mitigated these toxic effects, with Vitamin C showing antioxidant action in restoring sodium and urea, while Tetrapleura tetraptera demonstrated dose-dependent protective effects, particularly at 200 mg/kg, where it significantly improved creatinine, bicarbonate, and lipid profiles. Tetrapleura tetraptera exhibited hypolipidemic potential by lowering triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, while enhancing HDL. This confirms Tetrapleura tetraptera’s phytotherapeutic potential but also emphasized its dose sensitivity. Vitamin C and Tetrapleura tetraptera provided nephroprotective, antioxidant, and lipid regulatory benefits against cadmium toxicity. These findings support Tetrapleura tetraptera as a potential natural alternative to Vitamin C in countering heavy metal-induced systemic toxicity, though further research is required to define its optimal dosing and long-term safety.
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DOI: 10.26538/tjnpr/v10i2.46
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