Ameliorative Effects of a Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Tephrosia Bracteolata Leaves On Lead Acetate-Induced Haematotoxicity, Immunotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of the flavonoid-rich extract of Tephrosia bracteolata leaves (FRETB) on lead acetate-induced haematotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were randomly distributed into five groups of four each. Group 1 served as control, while Group 2 received 50 mg/kg lead acetate alone. Groups 3 and 4 were co-treated with 50 mg/kg lead acetate and 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg FRETB, respectively, while Group 5 received 50 mg/kg ascorbic acid plus lead acetate. After 28 days, hematological indices, oxidative stress biomarkers, and immunological parameters were evaluated using standard biochemical procedures. Lead acetate caused significant (p < 0.05) reductions in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT) and altered immune parameters. Treatment with FRETB significantly reversed these effects in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid. The high-dose extract notably improved hematological and oxidative indices and stabilized immune responses. The observed activities are attributed to the plant’s flavonoid constituents, known for their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. These findings indicate that FRETB possesses potent ameliorative potential against lead acetate-induced haematotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress in rats, supporting its ethnomedicinal use and highlighting its promise as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating heavy-metal toxicity.