Protective Effect of Cordia Myxa Extract on Changes in Body Weight, Serum Proteins, Albumin and Liver Histology of Adult Male Rats Induced by Cadmium Chloride Toxicity

Background: The present study investigated the protective effect of C. myxa extract on the liver biochemical and histologic changes induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in adult male rats. Methods: We used 48 adults male Wistar rats, divided into 6 groups of 8. Control group received water and normal food. Sham group 1 received 2 mg/kg of CdCl2 for 35 days intraperitoneally. In Addition, Sham Group 2 received 125 mg/kg extract of C. myxa fruit for 35 days by gavage method. The experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 received 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of C. myxa extract for 21 days through gavage, followed by 2 mg/kg of CdCl2 given intraperitoneally for 14 days. After the experimentation period, blood samples were taken and the serum total protein and albumin concentrations measured. Also, liver tissue sections were prepared, stained and examined by light microscopy to evaluate the histologic changes. Results:  The mean body weight, serum total protein, albumin in sham group 1 showed a significant decrease in comparison with those in the controls and Sham Group 2. The mean body weight and serum total protein in Experimental Groups 2 and 3 showed a significant increase compared to those in Sham Group 1. The mean serum albumin in Experimental Group 3 showed a significant increase compared to that in Sham Group 1 (P <0.05). Conclusion: The extract of C. myxa fruit demonstrated protective effects on changes in body weight, serum biochemical factors and liver histology induced by the adverse effect of CdCl2 in adult male rats.