BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Solanum torvum ON MERCURY INDUCED LIVER AND STOMACH TOXICITY ON ADULT WISTAR RATS

Abstract: Mercury is a heavy metal recognized for its toxic effects on vital organs, particularly the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Solanum torvum, is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum on mercury-induced liver and stomach toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group A served as control; Group B received 100 mg/kg of Solanum torvum extract; Group C received 100 mg/kg of mercury chloride; Group D received 100 mg/kg mercury for 1 week followed by 200 mg/kg extract for 2 weeks; Group E received 100 mg/kg mercury for 1 week followed by 400 mg/kg extract for 2 weeks; and Group F received 400 mg/kg extract for 2 weeks followed by 100 mg/kg mercury for 1 week. Administration was via oral gavage over 21 days. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), relative organ weights, and histological features of the liver and stomach were evaluated. Mercury exposure (Group C) resulted in elevated AST levels and increased relative stomach weight, indicating tissue injury and inflammation. Treatment with Solanum torvum, particularly in Groups D and F, moderated these effects, with observable stabilization of liver enzymes and stomach weight. Histological analyses revealed dose-dependent improvements in liver and stomach architecture in treated groups. These findings confirm the protective role of Solanum torvum against mercury-induced hepatic and gastric toxicity. Keywords: Solanum torvum, Mercury, Liver toxicity, Wistar rats, Therapeutic. Title: BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Solanum torvum ON MERCURY INDUCED LIVER AND STOMACH TOXICITY ON ADULT WISTAR RATS Author: Maduanusi Chinaecherem Ogochukwu, Elizabeth Obioma Nweke, Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nonso, Anyiam Kennedy Ekenedirichukwu International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 12, Issue 3, July 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 14-19 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 09-August-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16785691 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/BIOCHEMICAL%20AND%20HISTOLOGICAL%20ASSESSMENT-09082025-3.pdf