Effects of Theobroma cacao aqueous seed extract on arsenic trioxide- induced kidney damage in adult wistar rats

Abstract

The increasing interest in traditional herbal medicine has highlighted the therapeutic potential of Theobroma cacao, a flavonoid-rich plant known for its pharmacological and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the nephroprotective effects of aqueous seed extract of Theobroma cacao against arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced renal toxicity in Wistar rats. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into six groups, including control, ATO-only, T. cacao only (250 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg), and co-treatment groups. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and reducing sugars in the extract. Oxidative stress markers—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA)—were measured to assess renal oxidative damage. ATO exposure led to significant reductions in SOD and CAT activities and a marked increase in MDA levels, indicating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Co-administration of T. cacao significantly improved SOD and CAT levels and reduced MDA concentrations, with more pronounced protective effects at the 250 mg/kg dose. GPx levels were not significantly altered. These findings support the antioxidant role of T. cacao in mitigating ATO-induced renal oxidative damage. The results suggest that Theobroma cacao seed extract, particularly at moderate doses, offers a protective effect against nephrotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative stress. This study supports the therapeutic relevance of T. cacao in traditional medicine and its potential integration into protective strategies against heavy metal-induced organ toxicity.