Evaluating the Protective and Ameliorative Effects of Kolaviron on Lead-induced Adrenal Gland Toxicity in Adult Wistar Rats

Lead (Pb) toxicity is possibly the most common form of heavy metal poisoning in the human body due to the abundant global distribution and utilization of Pb. Pb has no functional role in the body. Its only effect on human organs is regarded as harmful. The adrenal gland, one of the most common endocrine organs associated with chemically induced lesions, has its fair share of organ damage from Pb toxicity. Interestingly, some herbs and fruits notably have ameliorative actions against organs damaged due to Pb and other heavy metal toxicity. Kolaviron, the active constituent of Garcinia kola has such an effect on glands, but substantial studies are yet to be done concerning the adrenal gland. Hence, this study aims to investigate the ameliorative effects of the ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola fruit (Kolaviron) on lead-induced adrenal gland toxicity using adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) healthy adult Wistar rats weighing 160-200g were grouped into six (n=5). Group A (control) was placed on a diet of food and water ad libitum. Group B (untreated) received lead-acetate solutions at 50mg/kg/day for 14 days. Groups C, D, and E received co-administration of lead-acetate solutions at 50mg/kg/day for 7 days and 100, 200, and 300mg/kg/day of Kolaviron consecutively for 14 days. Group F received lead-acetate solutions at 50mg/kg/day for 7 days only, and subsequently for a period of 7 days, 300mg/kg/day of Kolaviron was administered. The route of all administrations was oral and the experiment lasted for 14 days. The rats were sacrificed under ketamine (100mg/ml) as anesthesia 24 hours after their last treatment. Their adrenal glands were carefully harvested, fixed for histological analysis, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin dyes. Relative to the control and untreated groups, treatment with increasing doses of Kolaviron demonstrated mild to moderate ameliorative effects on the pathologic damages noted to be brought about by Pb toxicity. Garcinia kola is a promising agent with potency against adrenal gland injuries from heavy metal intoxication in the human body.