EVALUATING THE PHYTOCHELATING CAPACITY OF CITRUS SINENSIS AND PERSEA AMERICANA WASTE ON WINSTAR RATS CO-ADMINISTERED WITH LEAD AND CADMIUM

ABSTRACT

Cadmium and lead, two prevalent toxic metals, contaminate a large portion of the vegetables consumed globally. This research investigated the chelating capabilities of aqueous Citrus sinensis extract, ethanolic Citrus sinensis extract, and ethanolic Persea americana extract on lead and cadmium co-induced toxicity in Winstar rats. Forty-five adult Winstar rats were divided into nine groups. The first group consumed a balanced diet and water. The second group received daily doses of lead and cadmium in their drinking water. The third group was given lead and cadmium along with zinc and selenium. Groups four and five were treated with different doses of ethanolic Citrus sinensis extract, while groups six and seven received varying doses of aqueous Citrus sinensis extract. Groups eight and nine were treated with different doses of ethanolic Persea americana extract. All treated groups were exposed to lead and cadmium for 30 days, with body weights recorded every seven days. On the 31st day, the animals were sacrificed, and cadmium levels were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed lead and cadmium distribution in various tissues. Treatment with both ethanolic and aqueous Citrus sinensis extracts exhibited potential chelating effects on lead but not on cadmium. Ethanolic Persea americana extract showed minimal chelating effects on both metals. The study concluded that ethanolic and aqueous Citrus sinensis extracts have potential chelating effects on lead toxicity, while ethanolic Persea americana extract exhibits potential chelating effects on both lead and cadmium, albeit to a lesser extent