Effect of aqueous Chasmanthera dependens leaf extract on mercury chloride-induced gastric damage in adult Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Mercury, used in industries and consumer products, poses serious health risks through contaminated food, water, occupational hazards, and inhalation. Chronic exposure causes neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and gastrointestinal damage. Mercury chloride is particularly harmful to the stomach, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. Traditional medicinal plants, like Chasmanthera dependens, contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the study was aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Chasmanthera dependens on mercury chloride-induced gastric damage in Wistar rats. METHODOLOGY: Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A served as control; Group B - 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride only; Group C - 200 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract and 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride; Group D - 400 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract and 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride; Group E - 800 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract and 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride; Group F - 800 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results showed that mercury chloride increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, causing significant gastric damage. Pre-treatment with Chasmanthera dependens improved the antioxidant defense system, reducing MDA levels and increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx activity. Histological findings showed reduced tissue erosion, with higher doses of Chasmanthera dependens offering better protection against mercury chloride-induced gastric damage.