Ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) on cadmium-induced liver damage in adult Wistar rats

Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut milk) is rich in minerals and vitamins essential for body growth, development and improvement of immune functions. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus on cadmium induced toxicity in the liver of adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) rats weighing between 180 – 200g were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) of five animals each. Group A representing the control was given standard rat chow and water ad libitum. However Group B was given cadmium chloride only; while groups C, D, and E were received cadmium chloride and aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus at doses of 150, 300 and 600mg/kg body weight, respectively; Group F was administered cadmium chloride and standard drug, Atorvastatin (10mg/kg). Administration to all the animals in the experimental group was done using orogastric tube for 60 days. At the end of the treatment period, they were anaesthetized using chloroform and blood sample were collected via cardiac puncture for liver function test, while the liver tissue was harvested, and processed for histological analysis. Statistically, the results show no significant difference (P>0.05) with each enzyme and protein in all the groups when compared to control. Histological sections revealed vascular congestion, heavy periportal infiltrates of inflammatory cells in the liver treated with cadmium chloride. The observed histopathological changes are features of liver toxicity induced by cadmium chloride administration. However, administration of Cyperus esculentus extract was observed to ameliorate the toxicity in the liver and this compared well with the Atorvastatin.

Key Words: Cyperus esculentus, Wistar rats, Liver