Mitigating Mercury Chloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats: The Protective Potential of Mangifera indica

Abstract

Background: Mercuric chloride, a potent toxicant containing mercury, poses a serious environmental threat, accumulating in air, water, soil, and food sources. Its impact on human health and ecosystems, particularly its tendency to target the liver, underscores the urgent need for protective strategies. Magnifera indica, known for its delicious taste and rich in polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytochemicals like mangiferin and quercetin, shows promise in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and bolstering cellular defenses. This study is aimed at investigating protective effects of Mangifera indica leaves on mercuric chloride-induced liver damage in adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of five (5) rats each. Group A served as control. Group B was given 250 mg/kg BW of Mangifera indica only. Group C was given 500 mg/kg BW of Mangifera indica only. Group D was given 250 mg/kg BW of Mangifera indica and 5 mg/Kg BW of Mercuric chloride. Group E was given 500 mg/kg BW of Mangifera indica and 5 mg/Kg BW of Mercuric chloride. Group F was given 5 mg/Kg BW of Mercuric chloride. The administration lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. At the end of the administration, the animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Blood sample was collected for liver function assessment. The liver tissue was also collected for histological assessments. Results: Mercury exposure led to liver damage evidenced by a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase. Also, mercuric chloride resulted in significant histological alterations to the liver architecture, evidenced by periportal infiltrates of inflammatory cells and portal congestion. However, Mangifera indica mitigated these effects, evidenced in the significant decrease of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase activities, and significant improvements in the liver histo-architecture. Conclusion: Mangifera indica possesses protective properties against mercury chloride-induced Hepatotoxicity.