Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract Of Nephrolepis Biserrata on Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Nephrolepis biserrata, commonly known as giant sword fern, has been recognized for its medicinal value in traditional medicine across various countries. Cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), a toxic environmental pollutant, poses significant threats to liver and kidney function through oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence the objective of this paper is to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Nephrolepis biserrata on cadmium induced hepatorenal toxicity in male Wistar rats using appropriate standard methods by assessing Liver and kidney function biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, TB, TP, albumin, urea, creatinine, electrolytes. Data obtained shows that the levels of phytochemical were alkaloids (106.21), flavonoids (272.70), saponins (80.86), phenols (120.01), steroids (66.76), tannins (280.75) and terpenoids (74.62). Cadmium exposure significantly elevated ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine, while reducing albumin, total protein, and electrolyte levels. Treatment with N. biserrata significantly ameliorated these alterations in a dose dependent manner. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant, anti -inflammatory, and membrane stabilizing properties attributed to its rich phytochemical content, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and polyphenols. Aqueous leaf extract of Nephrolepis biserrata demonstrated hepatorenal potential against cadmium induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Its therapeutic efficacy supports its potential as a natural remedy for managing environmental heavy metal toxicity like cadmium.