Abstract

PROTECTIVE ROLE OF CORCHORUS OLITORIUS (EWEDU) LEAF IN MERCURY CHLORIDE-INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE

Ofoego Uzozie Chikere*, Mokwe Rita Ogochukwu, Enemuo Ijeoma Chidili, Ekwujuru Ezinne Uchechi, Ofoego Amarachukwu Ndubuisi and Ezeagu Darlington Kenechukwu

ABSTRACT

Mercury chloride (HgCl₂) is an environmental pollutant that induces hepatic dysfunction via oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Leaves of Corchorus olitorius possess abundant antioxidants with health benefits. This study investigated the protective effects of Ethanolic extract of Corchorus olitorius leaf (ECO) against HgCl₂-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups of 5 rats each. Group A (Control) received only feed and water ad libitum. Group B and C received 250 mg/kg/bw and 500 mg/kg/bw of ECO respectively while Group D received 5 mg/kg/bw of HgCl₂. Group E and F both received 5 mg/kg/bw of HgCl₂ in addition to 250 mg/kg/bw and 500 mg/kg/bw of ECO respectively. Administration was orally, once a day for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays and histopathological analyses. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Rats exposed to HgCl₂ alone exhibited significantly elevated levels of AST, ALT, and ALP, while histopathological analysis further revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, fatty necrosis, and cytoplasmic degeneration, characteristic of oxidative stress-induced liver injury. However, administration of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract alone and in combination with HgCl₂ significantly ameliorated these biochemical and histopathological alterations. These findings suggest that Corchorus olitorius possesses hepatoprotective potentials by mitigating HgCl₂ induced oxidative stress and promoting tissue recovery likely due to its rich flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. 

Keywords: Mercury chloride, Corchorus olitorius, hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, liver enzymes.