The Protective Effect of Soybean (Glycine max) Oil on Male Rats Exposed to Cadmium

Background: Cadmium (Cd+2) is a substantial environmental contaminant acknowledged for its extensive adverse effects. Glycine max (GM), native to Asia, is recognized for its hepatoprotective and antioxidative properties. Objective: The current study investigates the protective influences of Glycine max on cadmium (Cd+2)-triggered oxidative stress in the hepatic tissue of male rats. Methods: Cd+2 (5 mg/kg) was given orally for six weeks to induce hepatotoxicity, followed by Glycine max oil (300 mg/kg) treatment. Results: The results indicated that cadmium caused damage to the hepatic cells, leading to an increase in the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total protein (T.P), and serum total bilirubin (T. Bil), and a decrease in albumin. The detrimental effect of Cd+2 was evident in the substantially reduced levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The activity of hepatic enzymes was restored to near-normal levels when cadmium-induced rats were administered with 300 mg/kg Glycine max oil. Additionally, Glycine max oil significantly restored the antioxidant levels in the hepatic tissue. Histopathological examinations of rat livers demonstrated that Glycine max (300 mg/kg) significantly mitigated the influence of Cd+2 toxicity and preserved the tissue's typical histological structure. Conclusion: Recent research has suggested that Glycine max potentially reduces the oxidative damage caused by cadmium in rats' hepatic tissue.