Effects of <i>Brassica nigra</i> Ethanol Seed Extract on Iron (II) Chloride-Induced Hepatic Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

Background and Aim: Although iron is an essential element for life, its excess is linked to many disorders. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Brssica nigra ethanol seed extract on iron (II) chloride-induced hepatic damage in adult Wistar rats. Methodology: A total of 35 rats weighing between 190-250g were divided into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) of five per group. Group A served as the control group. Groups B ,C, D and E were given 2mg/kg body weight of iron (II)chloride and treated with 200mg, 400mg of Brassica nigra and standard drug vitamin C respectively except group B that was left untreated.  Group F and G received 200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weights of Brassica nigra only. Rats were euthanized under chloroform and liver harvested and fixed in neutral buffered formalin for hematoxylin and eosin histological staining procedure. Blood tissue samples were collected for oxidative stress test and liver enzymes analysis. Free radical scavenging activities, lipid peroxidation and histological studies analysis were accessed. Results: Iron (II) chloride resulted in significant increase in serum ALP and significant reduction in liver antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx). The reduced liver antioxidant in iron (II) chloride group were significantly increased on treatment with 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight of Brassica nigra ethanolic extract. Histological findings showed portal congestion, vascular ulceration, ulceration and infiltrate of inflammatory cells in group B treated with only iron (II) chloride. However, intervention with graded doses of Brassica nigra ethanolic extract and standard drug (vitamin C) reversed the lesions induced by iron (II) chloride to near normal. Conclusion: Brassica nigra administration may thus be an effective strategy for treating iron overload-related liver diseases.