Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of radish seed aqueous extract on cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

Background: Exposure to cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant that causes injury on many organs and tissues, particularly the liver. However, the protection of radish seed aqueous extract (RSE) against hepatic injury in Cd-exposed mice yet remains unclear. Objective: The research aimed to investigate the mitigation effect of RSE against Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: The mice were administered intraperitoneally with Cd Chloride (CdCl2, 75 mg/kg b. wt) as a positive control to compare RSE. The hepatic function and antioxidant status were assessed in liver tissue of poisoned and control mice. Results: Levels of serum hepatic enzymes (aspartate transaminase: AST and alanine transaminase: ALT) as well as total bilirubin were significantly increased in Cd-exposed mice. In addition, Cd exposure elicited enhancement of oxidative stress level. Co-treatment with RSE (200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt) significantly decreased the serum levels of liver function biomarkers. Furthermore, RSE treatment showed a significant reduction of lipid peroxidation and increase of enzyme and glutathione concentrations. Histopathological analysis was parallel to these biochemical findings. Conclusion: The results clearly demonstrated that RSE is effective for ameliorating hepatic cytotoxicity and oxidative damage arising from Cd exposure.