Modulatory Effects of Ethanol Root Extract of Mucuna pruriens (EREMP) on Lead-Induced Hepatic Injury: Biochemical and Histological Evidence
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Purpose: Lead toxicity remains a significant environmental health concern due to its ability to induce oxidative stress and hepatic injury. Medicinal plants possessing antioxidant properties have attracted considerable interest as potential therapeutic agents. This study evaluated the restorative effects of ethanol root extract of Mucuna pruriens (EREMP) on lead-induced hepatic injury in adult female Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=5). Group 1 served as the normal control and received normal saline (1 mL/kg). Hepatotoxicity was induced in Groups 2 to 6 by oral administration of lead acetate (120 mg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days. Thereafter, group 2 received no treatment; groups 3 to 5 were treated with EREMP at doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, while group 6 received vitamin E (100 mg/kg) as a reference. Treatment was by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Body weight, liver enzyme activities: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and liver histomorphology were evaluated. Results: Lead exposure significantly increased ALT and ALP activities and caused marked histological alterations, including periportal inflammation and disruption of normal hepatic architecture. Treatment with EREMP significantly attenuated oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced MDA levels and increased SOD activity. Furthermore, EREMP improved liver enzyme profiles and restored hepatic histoarchitecture in a dose-dependent manner, with the medium-and high-dose groups showing marked recovery comparable to the vitamin E-treated group. Conclusion: Ethanol root extract of Mucuna pruriens ameliorates lead-induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress in adult female Wistar rats.
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166344432
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