PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF JATROPHA TANJORENSIS USING SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES AGAINST CADMIUM-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal widely distributed in the environment and known to cause severe damage to vital organs, particularly the kidneys. This study investigated the protective effect of Jatrophatanjorensis against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing between 120-185g were randomly divided into eight groups of five rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received distilled water. Group II received cadmium chloride to induce nephrotoxicity. Group III received cadmium chloride and was treated with Jatrophatanjorensis extract, while Group IV received only Jatropha tanjorensis extract. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis while kidney tissues were examined histologically. Renal function parameters such as serum creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen were analyzed. Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were also evaluated. The results showed that cadmium exposure significantly increased serum creatinine and urea levels, indicating kidney damage. However, treatment with Jatropha tanjorensis significantly reduced these biochemical markers and improved antioxidant enzyme activity compared to the cadmium-treated group. Histopathological examination further revealed that Jatrophatanjorensis extract reduced structural damage in renal tissues. The study therefore suggests that Jatrophatanjorensis possesses nephroprotective properties and may help reduce cadmium-induced kidney damage due to its antioxidant activity.