Modulation of cadmium induced haematological and renal damages by ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii in male Wistar rats

The leaf of Pterocarpus mildbraedii is a popular vegetable in Nigerian ethnomedicine, where it is applied in the management of various disorders. This study was carried out to investigate the ameliorative potential of ethanol leaf extract of P. mildbreadii on cadmium induced haematological and renal damages in male Wistar rats. The leaf extract and the toxicant were administered orally to four groups of rats at doses of 400 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg body weight respectively for 14 days. Indices of renal function (serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium) and haematological parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Cadmium caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium. It also caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in haematological parameters such as Hb, HCT, RBC, MCV, MCHC, lymphocytes and platelets while the levels of WBC, neutrophils and monocytes increased compared to control. Ethanol leaf extract of P. mildbreadii reversed the cadmium induced alterations in haematological and renal indices. Histological observation of the kidney tissue revealed abnormal histological architecture in animals intoxicated with cadmium. Animals treated with leaf extract of P. mildbreadii did not show any damage in histology of the kidney tissue. These results suggest the ameliorative potentials of leaf extract of P. mildbreadii on haematological and renal disorders in the rats.