HEPATO-CURATIVE POTENTIALS OF Morus alba FRUIT EXTRACT AGAINST LEAD (PB) TOXICITY IN ALBINO MICE

The present histopathological study states the ameliorative potential of mulberry fruit extract of Morus alba studied against the histopathological degeneration induced by lead (Pb) toxicity in Swiss male albino mice. Adult male animals were distributed into three groups i.e. (i) Control (no treatment), (ii) Lead acetate group (50 ppm Pb) lead acetate were given in drinking water 15 days + Pb acetate free water 5 days). (iii) Pb+M (lead +Morus alba) group (50ppm Pb acetate as in Pb group + Mulberry pulp extract 0.2 ml from 16 to 20 days). Results show that Pb exposure resulted in a significant decline in liver and animal body weights. Lead exposure has been found to induce specific histopathological alteration in the liver such as the signs of hepatocytic necrosis were marked by the appearance of fibrosis predominantly around the periportal areas. The central lobular hepatocytes demonstrate extension and inclusion of the adjacent membrane. To form cytoplasm streaks and networking surrounding empty irregular spaces representing the regular liver sinusoids. Additionally, profuse microphage infestations were seen that might represent the elimination of debris and the beginning of repair action. These findings are supported by significant alterations in micrometric parameters. The Morus alba treatment in lead intoxicated mice has been found to improve the rehabilitative activities in hepato-histological architectural derangements. Hence it is concluded that subchronic lead exposure in drinking water may lead to various histopathological alterations in the liver whereas post-treatment of mulberry fruit extract has the capacity of rapid rehabilitation of the liver.