Combined administration of Carpalobia lutea and Sabicea calycina mitigates crude oil-induced hepatorenal and haematological toxicity in wistar rats

Environmental petroleum insult is associated with oxidative stress and systemic toxicity, often manifesting as haematological, hepatic, and renal impairments. This study evaluated the protective efficacy of a composite extract from Sabicea calycina and Carpalobia lutea on male Wistar rats exposed to Nigeria Light Crude Oil (BLCO). Rats were randomized into five groups (n=5), including a positive control, negative control (BLCO exposure only), and treatment groups receiving 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of the extract. Following 4 weeks of BLCO exposure via bedding contamination, and concomitant extract administration. Crude oil exposure significantly reduced RBC count, Hb, PCV, and platelet levels, while altering red cell indices, and elevated WBC counts and renal biomarkers (urea, creatinine, uric acid). This exposure also caused hepatic and renal histoarchitectural damage. Treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg extract doses significantly mitigated these abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner, restoring haematological parameters, renal function, and tissue integrity to near-normal levels. Histological analyses confirmed marked improvement in hepatic and renal architecture at higher doses. These findings suggest that the composite extract possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and organ-protective properties, highlighting its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent against environmental toxin-induced haematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity.