The Effects of Gingko Biloba Extract and L-Ascorbic Acid on Some Hematological, Biochemical, and Hepatic-Architectural Alterations in Mercury Chloride Intoxicated Adult Wistar Rat.

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba and Ascorbic acid (A.A) on mercury chloride (HgCl₂) toxicity in Wistar rats. Forty-two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6). Group I served as control. Groups II–VII received 5 mg/kg of HgCl₂. Groups III and IV received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of A.A respectively, while groups V and VI daily received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EGB761 respectively. Group VII received 100 mg/kg of A.A and EGB761. All administration were done orally, once daily for 21 days. Mercury exposure caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in RBC (3.62.00±0.75), hemoglobin (8.67±0.14), and PCV (32.93±0.47) in group II when compared to the control group, while significantly (p<0.05) increasing white blood cell count (18.57±1.51). Liver function tests significantly (p<0.05) increased Alanine transaminase (1.38±1.51), Aspartate Transaminase (10.11±4.21), and Alkaline Phosphatase (1.89±0.51) in group II when compared to Control. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in malondialdehyde levels and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in superoxide dismutase (3.86 ± 0.69), glutathione (10.08 ± 2.13), and catalase (3.65 ± 0.2) levels in group II. However, treatment with ascorbic acid and EGB761 significantly (P<0.05) increased in Groups IV (6.15 ± 0.38); VI (6.28 ± 0.40), and VII (6.19 ± 0.41), SOD levels in Groups IV (6.15 ± 0.38); VI (6.28 ± 0.40) and VII (6.19 ± 0.41) and GSH level when compared to the HgCl₂ group. Histological examination showed moderate hepatocyte necrosis in group II, while treatment with EGB761 and A.A showed moderate healing, binucleate nuclei, and a slight decrease of distorted sinusoids and normalization of liver structure. The study concludes that EGB761 and A.A have hepatoprotective effects on mercury-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The findings suggest that these antioxidants may be useful in mitigating the harmful effects of mercury exposure on the liver.