Protective Effects of the Ethanolic Pulp Extract of Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) on Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Nephrotoxicity, Cardiac Dysfunction, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats
Okari, Karibo Amakiri
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Owo, Gogo James *
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Ezekwe, Ahamefula Sunday
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Abbiyesuku Sukuba
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The study on the Protective Effects of the Ethanolic Pulp Extract of Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) on Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Nephrotoxicity, Cardiac Dysfunction, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats has been investigated. This study examined the reno- and cardioprotective capacity of LBEP against CCl₄-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.
Methods: The study sample comprised of thirty rats assigned to five groups: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (CCl₄), Group 3 (CCl₄ + LBEP 100 mg/kg), Group 4 (CCl₄ + LBEP 300 mg/kg), and Group 5 (CCl₄ + Vitamin E 100 mg/kg). Renal function indices (urea and creatinine), cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), and oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH) were assessed using standard methods, supported by histopathological evaluation of kidney and heart tissues.
Results: The results indicated that CCl₄ significantly elevated urea, creatinine, CK-MB, LDH, and MDA levels while suppressing antioxidant enzymes relative to Group 1. Co-administration of LBEP at 100 + 300 mg/kg produced dose-dependent reductions in biochemical markers of toxicity and significantly restored antioxidant defences. Histological observations confirmed progressive tissue recovery, with Group 4 showing near-normal architecture comparable to Group 5.
Conclusion: The findings validate that LBEP provides significant protection against CCl₄-induced renal and cardiac damage through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms.
Keywords: Lycium barbarum, renal function, histopathological, tissue recovery, cardioprotective capacity, biochemical marker