Effects of ethanol extract of <i>Newbouldia laevis</i> leaves on liver morphological changes in mercury chloride exposed Wistar rats

Mercury chloride (HgCl2), an extremely poisonous inorganic chemical, is widely used in industries and laboratories, posing substantial environmental and health concerns. This study investigates the preventive effects of Newbouldia laevis, a plant known for its therapeutic characteristics, on mercury chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Eighteen adult Wistar rats weighing between 160g and 200g were separated into six groups (n=6) and given simultaneous doses of mercury chloride and ethanol leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis (ELEN) for twenty-eight days. Mercury chloride exposure caused considerable changes in body and liver weights, with histological examination demonstrating severe liver damage characterized by vasodilation, vascular congestion, and periportal inflammatory infiltrates. However, co-administration of Newbouldia laevis had a protective effect, minimizing these negative alterations. Histological study of liver tissues from rats treated with Newbouldia laevis revealed low to mild damage, with doses of 250mg/kg revealing near-normal liver architecture and doses of 500mg/kg resulting in significant recovery, while some vascular ulcers remained. This study demonstrates that Newbouldia laevis ethanolic extract offers significant hepatoprotection against mercury chloride-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. The plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, likely due to its flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, mitigate oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by mercury exposure. Rats treated with the extract showed improved liver architecture and overall health, including significant weight gain compared to those exposed to mercury alone. These findings suggest that Newbouldia laevis could be a promising natural therapeutic agent for managing mercury-induced hepatotoxicity.