Cardioprotective Effect of Vitellaria Paradoxa Leaves on Benzene Induced Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the protective effects of N-Hexane extract of Vitellaria paradoxa (shea butter) leaves against benzene-induced toxicity in Wistar rats, focusing on body weight changes, cardiotoxicity, and oxidative stress markers. thirty (30) rodents were grouped in 6 having 5 each and treated as follows for 21 days: Group1 (Normal control) were given normal saline, group 2 (Positive control) were given 0.2 ml/kg of benzene 48 hourly, group 3,4 and 5 (Test groups 1, test group 2 and standard control) were given 0.2 ml/kg of benzene 48 hourly followed by daily administration of 200 mg/kg b.wt, 400 mg/kg b.wt of the extract and 200 mg/kg b.wt of vitamin E respectively. Benzene exposure (0.2 ml/kg mg/kg) significantly reduced weight gain (9.03%) relative to normal control animals (35.7%) Co-treatment with Vitellaria paradoxa (200 and 400 mg/kg) dose-dependently restored weight gain (21.53% and 30.2%, respectively), with 400 mg/kg matching vitamin E (31.97%), suggesting its role in mitigating metabolic impairment. Benzene also induced cardiotoxicity, significantly (p<0.05) elevating markers of stress, cardiac injury and dyslipidemia markers (including triglycerides and LDL while reducing HDL. Vitellaria paradoxa (200 mg/kg b.wt and 400 mg/kg b.wt) reversed these parameters to near-normal similar to vitamin E, likely due to antioxidant and lipid-modulating bioactive compounds (triterpenes, flavonoids). Oxidative stress assays revealed benzene-mediated depletion of SOD, catalase, and GSH, alongside increased MDA, all counteracted by Vitellaria paradoxa in a dose-dependent manner. The 400 mg/kg dose restored antioxidant enzymes and reduced MDA to levels akin to vitamin E. These findings underscore Vitellaria paradoxa’s protection against benzene-induced toxicity, with 400 mg/kg exhibiting efficacy rivaling synthetic antioxidants. Further research should elucidate molecular mechanisms and long-term effects to validate its therapeutic potential.