Morphometric and Histopathological Effect of Brassica Nigra Seed Extract on Iron -Induced Cardiac Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

Iron (Fe)-overload is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with secondary and genetic hemochromatosis. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Brassica nigra ethanol seed extract on Fe overload-induced cardiac toxicity in adult Wistar rats. A total of 35 rats weighing between 190-220 g were divided into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) of five rats per group. Group A (control) was administered 1 ml of distilled water, Group B, C,D and E received Fe (II) chloride and treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of Brassica nigra, 400 mg/kg b.w of Brassica nigra and 50 mg/kg b.w of vitamin C respectively except Group B that was left untreated. While Group F and G received 200mg/kg b.w and 400kg/kg b.w of the Brassica nigra only respectively. The Administration was daily and lasted for four weeks. Twenty-four hours after the expiration of the extract administration, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were taken to estimate the serum levels of iron. Heart specimens were dissected from scarified rats to estimate oxidative stress and histopathological examination. There was significant increase in serum Fe and MDA concentrations, and significant decrease in SOD and GPx activities in Fe group. Histological slides showed vascular ulceration, myocardial degeneration, vascular erosion and stenosis of coronary artery in group B treated with Fe. After administration of Brassica nigra seed extract, a significant improvement in all these parameters was observed. These show that Brassica nigra extract when consumed has healing effect on damages heart induced by Fe. However, graded doses of Brassica nigra and standard drug reversed the lesions induced by iron (II) chloride, consequently proving cardio protective evidence of against excessive Fe exposure.