Abstract:
It is normal practice to divide metals according to light and heavy groups based on their
density with metals over 5g/cm
3
being grouped into the heavy category and described as
Heavy metals. Cadmium being a heavy metal is one of the most toxic environmental and
industrial pollutants because it has the potential to impact our Central Nervous System
and other vital organs. It is generally present in low levels in the environment but human
activity has increased those levels beyond safe limits. According to a 2010 report by
WHO Cadmium exposure is referred to as a major health concern. Hence, it is pertinent
to develop low cost, effective and natural treatment modalities to address the problem.
While Cadmium toxicity in various organs such as Brain, Liver, Kidney, Lungs and
Reproductive organs has been investigated separately. Very few studies look at its effects
on the organs collectively and its role in causing toxicity is not well investigated. Bacopa
monnieri (BM) is a thoroughly studied medicinal plant which is famous for its
neuroprotective and memory enhancing potential against metals such as Aluminium,
Lead and other neurotoxins. So, Bacopa monnieri was selected as a treatment modality to
investigate if it had the potential to counteract Cadmium‟s toxic effects. Molecular
barcoding of the plant was done using its rbcL (Ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase
large subunit) gene followed by testing of its ethanolic extract against Cadmium‟s
neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects in BALB/c mice. Behavior tests were
conducted which included Y-Maze for investigation of spatial memory and Novel Object
Recognition Test (NORT) for recognition memory. BM was able to mitigate Cadmium
induced neurotoxicity by improving both spatial and recognition memory. Liver function
test investigated levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) which were higher in mice
treated with Cadmium and the levels were reduced after treatment with BM. Similar
results were observed in Renal function test which looked at levels of Creatinine and
Urea. Histopathology of Hippocampus, Liver and Kidney validated the ameliorative
effects of Bacopa monnieri against Cadmium toxicity that were observed in behavior and
biochemical testing.
