Potassium Dichromate Toxicity: Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Cochrorus olitorus in Albino Rats

Introduction: Hexavalent chromate compounds are well known human carcinogens. In addition to other compounds, they pose health hazard in several part of the world especially in developing countries. Exposure to the compounds is known to induce several cancers of the respiratory system and internal organs and there is currently no known dependable treatment.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety of the leafy vegetable and herb, Cochrorus oitorus (CO) and its usefulness against K₂Cr₂0₇ toxicities.

Methods: Negative control animals were fed distilled water, while the positive control rats received K₂Cr₂0₇  on 7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th, 35^th and 42^nd day. Test rats were exposed to 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of CO alone for 42 days and/or 12 mg/kg body wt of K₂Cr₂0₇ on the 7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th, 35^th and 42^nd day of the experiment before the animals were sacrificed. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) was monitored in bone marrow cells while aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine levels were assessed in the serum. Haematological parameters were also monitored in test and control animals. The phytochemical analysis of CO was also investigated. 

Results: K₂Cr₂O₇ significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of mPCE, AST, ALT, creatine, total white blood cells and lymphocytes when compared with the control, while percentage pack cell volume and neutrophils were reduced. In contrast, treatment with the different doses of CO restored the markers towards the levels of the control. Extract of CO is rich in flavonoids, saponins, antraquinnones, terpernoid and phenols which may be responsible for the protection observed in this study.

Significance: Our results therefore suggest that methanolic extract of CO possesses a promising potential in the treatment/management of chromate toxicity.