Spirulina protects against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental and industrial cumulative pollutant that most affects many organs specially the liver. The protective effect of Spirulina, filamentous blue green algae, on Cd – induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity was evaluated in male rats. Oral administration of water extract of Spirulina for seven days followed by an acute toxic dose of Cd (3.5 mg kg b.wt.^-1), reduced the hepatotoxicity and attenuated the Cd-induced oxidative stress. Spirulina treatment showed marked reduction in serum aminotrasferase activities and elevation in lipid peroxidation and recovery of the endogenous levels of antioxidants following Cd-intoxication. The Cd-induced hepatic histopathological changes were also minimized with the tested extract. These results suggest that Spirulina algae might play a role in reducing the toxic effect of Cd and its antioxidant properties seems to mediate such a protective effect.