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ABSTRACT
Cocos nucifera L. water has been reviewed to be loaded with many antioxidants and medicinal properties which are capable of ameliorating heavy metal toxicity. To ascertain this claim, this study aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of Cocos nucifera L. water on hepatotoxicity due to Cadmium exposure in Wistar rats. Here, twenty (20) healthy male Wistar albino rats with average body weight of 135 g were grouped into 4 groups (A to D) with 5 rats in each group. Group A was administered 2 mg/kg bwt of the cadmium solution only, Group B was administered both 2 mg/kg bwt of the cadmium solution and 4 ml/kg bwt of Cocos nucifera L. water, Group C was administered both 2 mg/kg bwt of the cadmium solution and 6 ml/kg bwt of Cocos nucifera L. water while group D was administered with Cocos nucifera L. water only. Findings revealed that Cd accumulation in liver tissue decreased as the concentrations of CN increased. Also, the activity of oxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase in the tissues decreased with higher concentrations of CN. Biochemical parameters of the liver significantly increased on exposure to cadmium, depicting hepatic impairment. The histopathological assessment of the liver tissues revealed changes including chronic inflammation in the portal cells, although, in the rats exposed to Cd + 6ml/kg b.w. CN, there was no histological alteration. This proves that Cocos nucifera extract is effective in the amelioration of Cadmium toxicity and its use is promoted.
