Elucidating the effect of Bacopa monnieri on Cadmium induced toxicity in mice

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.