Ameliorative Effects of Mentha Piperita Methanolic Extract on Lead Acetate Incuced Femoral Alterations in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Mentha piperita L. (Pepper mint) a medicinally important plant that is well-known and widely cultivated for its use in flavor, fragrance, medicinal and pharmaceutical application. The medicinal parts of pepper mint are the essential oil composed of menthol and menthone together with several other minor constituents. Lead (Pb) is a widespread toxic metal found in the environment and poses potential danger to human health despite its varied daily use. This study was conducted to assess the effects of methanolic leaf extract of Mentha piperita on the femur of lead acetate-exposed adult male Wistar rats. Sixteen (16) adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, with 4 animals in each group. Group A (control) received feed and water only. Group B received 400 mg/kg of methanolic leaf extract of Mentha piperita daily, along with feed and water. Group C received 30 mg/kg of lead acetate twice weekly, along with feed and water. Group D received 400 mg/kg of methanolic leaf extract of Mentha piperita daily and 30 mg/kg of lead acetate twice weekly, along with feed and water. Administrations lasted for 6 weeks. The median lethal dose (LD50), phytochemical analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Mentha piperita, changes in body weight, biochemical tests (PO42- and Ca2+ levels), and femur histology were examined across the groups. The results showed a significant increase in final weight in the mint group compared to initial weight. A non-significant decrease in PO42- levels was observed in the lead acetate group, while a significant increase in Ca2+ levels was observed in the mint group (p<0.05). No effects were seen on the histological features of the femur. It can be inferred that Mentha piperita and lead acetate has effects on the body weight, PO42-, and Ca2+ levels in adult male Wistar rats, but no effects on the histology of the femur.