Mitigating Mercury Chloride-Induced Spleen Toxicity in Wistar Rats: The Efficacy of Newbouldia laevis Ethanol Extract

Background: Mercury chloride toxicity poses significant health risks, particularly affecting organs such as the spleen. Newbouldia laevis is reputed for its medicinal properties, yet its potential to counteract mercury chloride-induced splenic toxicity remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of ethanol extract of N. laevis on mercury chloride-induced spleen toxicity in Wistar rats. Method: Eighteen adult Wistar rats, weighing between 160g and 200g, were randomly divided into six groups of three rats each. Group A served as the control, while Group B and C received 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of N. laevis ethanolic extract, respectively. Group D and E were treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of the extract combined with 4mg/kg of mercury chloride, respectively, and Group F received 4mg/kg of mercury chloride only. After 28 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis, and the spleens were harvested for histological assessment. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in white blood cell count in the group treated with 500mg/kg of the extract alone, while other hematological parameters remained unchanged. There were no significant changes in body and organ weights, except for a decrease in body weight in the 500mg/kg extract-only and 250mg/kg + mercury chloride groups. Histologically, mercury chloride induced splenic necrosis and follicular hypertrophy, whereas the extract showed no effect on the follicle but caused red cell sequestration. Conclusion: Combined treatments displayed varying effects, with a low extract dose and mercury chloride showing a normal follicle but increased red cell sequestration. These findings suggest that Newbouldia laevis offer protective properties against mercury chloride-induced spleen damage.