Gongronema latifolium Leaf Extract Improved Liver Function and Ameliorated Oxidative Stress Better than Quercetin in Lead-exposed Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Conventional medicine in the treatment of lead poisoning mainly focuses on the use of chelation therapy. Although chelation therapy has the advantage of reducing the metals in the body, its usage is limited by the disadvantages that include being costly, toxicological effects, depletion of essential metals in the body, and unequal geographical distribution. Aims: Lead is one of the difficult-to-remove environmental toxins that target the liver through the mechanism of oxidative stress and interference with cell membranes. In resource-poor areas, naturally occurring antioxidants could provide cheap alternatives. This study investigated how quercetin and Gongronema latifolium leaf extract protect the liver from oxidative stress in male Wistar rats exposed to lead. Study design: An experimental randomized controlled design was adopted. using thirty (30) male Wistar rats assigned into six groups (n = 5). They include the following: a control, lead alone (50 mg/kg), lead with quercetin (500 mg/kg), and lead with three different dosages of Gongronema latifolium extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg). Methodology: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups (n = 5). They include the following: a control, lead alone (50 mg/kg), lead with quercetin (500 mg/kg), and lead with three different dosages of Gongronema latifolium extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg). They were administered orally for four weeks. To determine the state of the liver or the level of oxidative stress, liver function tests were performed using normal biochemical tests for liver function indices and various markers for oxidative stress. Results: In lead exposure, the levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and malondialdehyde increased, while the levels of antioxidant enzymes, total protein, and albumin decreased. The treatment with Gongronema latifolium, particularly the 500 and 1000 mg/kg preparations, returned all the values to near normal. Quercetin was also helpful, but to a much lower and inconsistent degree. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Gongronema latifolium has better and dose-related protective capabilities against lead-induced liver injury compared to quercetin and could be a good natural remedy against a population exposed to the works of lead.