Mitigating Lead and Nickel Toxicity: Ameliorative Effects of Cichorium intybus Extract in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the potential effects of Cichorium intybus extract on Wistar rats exposed to lead and nickel alone and in combination. Rats were orally administered with Cichorium intybus extract daily for 45 days, and their feed and water intake were monitored. The results showed a significant decline in feed intake in rats exposed to lead and nickel, which persisted throughout the study. However, treatment with Cichorium intybus extract non significantly improve feed intake in the exposed rats. Moreover, the rats exposed to lead and nickel exhibited a reduction in body weight compared to the control group, attributed to the metals’ adverse effects on muscle mass. Treatment with the Cichorium intybus extract resulted in a partial recovery of body weight, indicating its potential protective role against heavy metal-induced damage. The haematological parameters, including total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, total leukocyte count, and platelet count, were significantly decreased in the lead and nickel-exposed rats, possibly due to intravascular haemolysis and oxidative stress. However, treatment with Cichorium intybus extract significantly improved these haematological variables in the exposed groups, suggesting its antioxidative and free radical scavenging properties. In conclusion, Cichorium intybus extract showed promising effects in ameliorating some of the adverse effects caused by lead and nickel exposure in Wistar rats, particularly on body weight and haematological parameters. Further research is warranted to explore its potential as a natural remedy against heavy metal toxicity.