Neurological Consequences of Cadmium Exposure and Telfairia occidentalis Extract Intervention in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the neurologic effect of Telfairia occidentalis on cadmium chloride-induced toxicity in male rats. Twenty-five male rats were grouped as follows: Group A: control, Group B-E: CdCl₂ 0.5ml; CdCl₂+ T. occidentalis 0.3ml; CdCl₂+T. occidentalis 0.5ml and CdCl₂+ T. occidentalis 0.7ml, respectively. Gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector, Ultraviolet visible ray spectrophotometry and total antioxidant capacity of T. occidentalis was done. Oxidative stress markers, muscle function markers and plasma electrolyte were assayed. The gait parameters of the animals were observed using gait test apparatus. This study lasted for 4 weeks. Blood and brain samples were collected. The phytochemical results revealed alkaloids, flavonones, terpenes, phenols, anthrocyanins and epicatechin. The biochemical results were in comparison with control and group B. The results were statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. MDA decreased in groups C, D and E, PC decreased in groups C, D and E and F2ISOP decreased in group C, D and E. An increase in SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH in groups C, D and E. A decrease in plasma creatine kinase level and an increase in AChE levels of groups C, D and E was revealed. There was no change in level. SL, SDL and BOS values increased in groups C, D and E. This study revealed that T. occidentalis has the tendency to ameliorate neurotoxicity and anemia induced by cadmium chloride.