Investigating the Protective Effects of Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract on Mercury-Chloride Induced Cardiorenal Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Mercury, a potent environmental toxin, poses significant health risks to humans and animals, making it a major global health concern. This study investigates the potential protective effects of Mentha piperita (peppermint) ethanoic leaf extract on the heart of adult male Wistar rats exposed to Mercury Chloride. Thirty-five adult male rats were divided into seven groups, receiving varying doses of Mercury Chloride (5mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg) and M. piperita extract (800mg/kg and 1600mg/kg), alone or in combination, over a 4-week period after a 3-week acclimatization phase. The experiment aimed to assess changes in body weight, relative heart weight, and heart muscle integrity. Results revealed that exposure to Mercury Chloride induced weight loss in rats, with significant decreases observed in Group B (low-dose Mercury). The administration of M. piperita extract did not significantly affect body weight. Regarding heart weight, no significant differences were found between the groups, though Mercury exposure showed some alterations in cardiac function. The biochemical analysis indicated an increase in the cardiac marker CREATINE KINASE-MB in groups receiving M. piperita extract in combination with Mercury, particularly in Groups G and H, which showed significant elevation compared to the control group. There was an increase in the urea level in each group which were not statistically significant. Histological examination revealed normal cardiac myocyte arrangement in all groups. These findings suggest that M.piperita extract may offer partial protection against the cardiovascular effects of Mercury exposure and a significant protective effect on the morphology and functions of kidney, further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.