EFFECTS OF IMMUNE BOOSTER ON CARDIAC FUNCTIONAL MARKERS IN LEAD EXPOSED MALE WISTAR RATS.

Lead exposure is associated with oxidative damage and disturbances in cardiac function, mainly through its effects on essential protective enzymes within the heart. This study examined the possible protective influence of Spondias pinnata extract (SPIB) on the heart tissues of male Wistar rats exposed to lead. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the extract contains several secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, amino acids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and phytic acid. Acute toxicity evaluation, carried out according to OECD guideline 425, indicated no visible signs of toxicity and no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, suggesting the extract is relatively safe for use. Cardiac enzyme activities were assessed spectrophotometrically and expressed in U/L, while histological examination of heart tissues was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Lead exposure resulted in altered enzyme activities and noticeable damage to the cardiac tissues. However, administration of SPIB helped to reverse these changes, leading to improvement in enzyme profiles and better preservation of myocardial structure. These findings indicate that SPIB may possess cardioprotective properties, possibly linked to the antioxidant nature of its phytochemical components. The extract may therefore serve as a useful natural intervention against lead-induced heart injury.