Pharmacological effect of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach extracts against lead‐induced toxicity in rats

Abstract Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach (Papilionaceae) is a medicinal plant, cultivated in northern areas of Pakistan. The consumption of trace minerals (lead) is very toxic to the vital organs of the body, therefore the overcome of these minerals is very necessary. In this regard, this study aimed to assess the potential pharmacological effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach against pb‐induced oxidative stress, histological changes in Pb‐induced rats' liver and kidney, and anti‐inflammatory effect. The metal concentrations in liver and kidney homogenates were measured through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was measured through DPPH and FRAP assay. Pb concentrations were significantly higher in liver and kidney homogenates after injection of Pb acetate was given intraperitoneally (45.2 ± 6.8 and 58.8 ± 7.9, respectively; p < .0001). The level of Pb in liver and kidney homogenates was significantly reduced by aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach. The Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg‐treated rats exhibited a protective effect on hepatocytes cells against Pb‐induced liver injury and restored the cells of the kidney. Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg showed higher antioxidant activity as compared to other treated groups. The highest decreased MDA level was found in liver and kidney homogenate of Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg rats (11.2 ± 1.51 nmol/mg; p < .001) and GSH and CAT levels tended to normal after treatment of Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg in rats. The ALAD, ALT, AST, and ALP level were enhanced and tended to be normal after the Aq‐400 and Aq‐600 mg/kg treatment in Pb‐exposed rats. The result showed that 600 mg/kg Aq + Pb exhibited significant (p < .001) anti‐inflammatory activity. The findings of this study concluded that treatment of the aqueous extract of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach reduces the renal and hepatic damage in Pb‐induced rats and it also decreases oxidative stress via improving antioxidant components.