ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Olive leaves’ extract may attenuate cadmium-induced liver damage in Wistar rat

This study investigates the possible attenuation of cadmium toxicity by using fresh aqueous olive leaves extract (OLE) of Olea europea. Wistar rats were divided into a control group received a standard diet, two positive controls received 0.25 g/kg BW (OL1) and 0.5 g/kg BW (OL2), one group treated with CdCl₂ (40 mg/kg BW), and finally, two other groups supplemented with the combination of Cd and OL (Cd+OL1, Cd+OL2). Cadmium and OL were administrated daily by gavage for one month. Hepatic histology, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and serum biomarkers were evaluated. Results indicate a significant increase in the MDA level of the Cd group compared with the three control groups, however, a significant decrease was noted in the groups of Cd+OL1 and Cd+OL2 compared to the Cd group. For the GSH, the Cd group showed a significant decrease compared to all control groups. A significant rise in the concentration of total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase was observed in the Cd-exposed rats compared to all controls, but the level of albumin and total proteins manifested significant decrease. However, the combined treatments have attenuated the toxicity of Cd through the recorded significant changes of most studied biochemical markers. The above results were confirmed by the histological study which revealed certain liver alterations in the Cd-exposed rats, while the co-administration of OL has reduced the hepatic tissue disorganization. In conclusion, OL seems effective to diminish the prooxidative effect of cadmium.