Senecio biafrae leaf ethanol extract mitigates mercuric chloride-induced cytokeratin disruption and hepatic histoarchitecture in adult Wistar rats

Introduction and aims Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl 2 ) causes liver damage by disrupting the hepatic architecture, increasing oxidative stress, and altering cytokeratin integrity, resulting in hepatocyte fragility and impaired function. The present study evaluated the effects of Senecio biafrae leaf ethanol extract (SBLEE) on HgCl 2 -induced liver injury and cytoskeletal integrity. Materials and methods Forty-two adult Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. The control group was given distilled water, whereas the other groups were given 4 mg/kg of mercuric chloride, orally, for 21 days, followed by either immediate sacrifice or a recovery period, and treatment with silymarin or various doses of SBLEE (300, 400, and 600 mg/kg) for 21 days. Results The histologic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies showed that HgCl 2 significantly disrupted the hepatic architecture and cytokeratin networks, increased oxidative stress, and altered liver enzyme levels. Treatment with SBLEE restored cytokeratin integrity, reduced oxidative stress, and normalized the liver biomarkers, with results comparable to those of the silymarin and control groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Senecio biafrae leaves have cytoprotective properties that help stabilize the hepatic cytoskeleton and preserve liver function after toxic injury.