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ABSTRACT Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are hazardous heavy metals with detrimental effects on human health and the environment. This research investigates the potential health advantages of utilizing ethanolic extract derived from Citrus sinensis phytowaste. The study aims to assess its effectiveness in alleviating lead and cadmium toxicity in the blood and lipid profiles of Wistar rats, with the dual purpose of waste reduction and cardiovascular health promotion. Treatment groups were assigned as follows: Group I served as the negative control and received 1ml of distilled water; Group II was administered Lead acetate (200mg/kg) and Cadmium chloride (100mg/kg); Group III received Zinc Sulphate (1mg/kg) and selenium (1.5mg/kg) in addition to Lead acetate (200mg/kg) and Cadmium chloride (100mg/kg) in their drinking water. Meanwhile, Groups IV and V were given ethanolic extract of Citrus sinensis phytowaste at doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively, combined with Lead acetate (200mg/kg) and Cadmium chloride (100mg/kg)in their drinking water. The treatment regimen spanned for 30 days, during which rats underwent an overnight fasting period prior to sacrifice. Results indicated a chelating effect of the extract in the heart and blood of rats co-exposed to lead and cadmium. Additionally, the Pb and Cd group demonstrated a significant decrease (p<0.05) in WBC, RBC, HGB, and HCT levels in the blood. The extract exhibited an ameliorative effect, leading to a significant increase (p<0.05) in blood parameters. Furthermore, the extract effectively lowered total cholesterol and LDL levels in the blood, which were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the group exposed only to Pb and Cd. Overall, the ethanolic extract of Citrus sinensis phytowaste holds promise in mitigating lead and cadmium-induced dyslipidemia in Wistar rats, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for cardiovascular health. 1
