ABSTRACT
The use of bioactive compounds found in peels and seeds offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to treating various human diseases, as well as developing and documenting new nutraceuticals. This study examines the findings and enhanced understanding of the benefits and therapeutic uses of aqueous extract of Citrus sinenesis phytowasteon lead and cadmium toxic effects on the heart as well hematological parameters. The fresh Citrus sinensis (Sweet orange) fruits were purchased and washed thoroughly. The peels, seeds, and fibers were manually separated and prepared for extraction. A total of twenty-five (25) healthy adult male albino wistar rats with weights ranging from 110g to 190g were purchased and divided into five groups of five animals each. Group I were administered distilled water. Group II were given lead acetate (200mg/kg) and cadmium chloride (100mg/kg) dissolved in their drinking water. Group III were co-administered Zinc sulphate (1mg/kg) and Selenium (1.5mg/kg) alongside with lead acetate (200mg/kg) and cadmium chloride (100mg/kg) dissolved in their drinking water. Group IV and V were administered aqueous extract of Citrus Sinensis phytowaste (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg), Lead acetate (200mg/kg) and Cadmium chloride (100mg/kg) were also co-administered dissolved in their drinking water. The administration lasted for 30days, afterward the animals were fasted overnight and sacrificed the next day. Tissues and blood samples were collected for analysis which includes antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA), lipid profile (HDL, LDL, T. CHOL and TG), hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, PLT, HGB and HCT) and the level of lead and cadmium in blood and heart. The study showed that aqueous extract of Citrus sinensis phytowastes significantly reduce the level of lead in the blood and heart, decrease TCHOL, TG, and LDL of the treated group and an increase in HDL, significant decreased in HCT, RBC, WBC, and HGB, decreases the antioxidant status except in MDA in the heavy metal group of the rats induced with lead and cadmium toxicity compared to the control groups. In conclusion, it is safe to say that aqueous extract of Citrus sinensis might be used to reduce lead and cadmium toxicity in the body.
