Ameliorative Effect of 80% Methanolic Cannabis sativa Leaf Extract on Copper (II) Oxide-Induced Alterations in Serum Electrolytes in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the protective effect of 80% methanolic Cannabis sativa leaf extract against copper(II) oxide (CuO)-induced alterations in serum electrolyte balance in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity studies were conducted to determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the crude C. sativa leaf extract and CuO. The ameliorative effect of the extract on CuO-induced electrolyte disturbances was subsequently evaluated in vivo. The crude C. sativa leaf extract exhibited an LD₅₀ of 676.08 mg/kg, whereas CuO exhibited a markedly lower LD₅₀ of 45.71 mg/kg, indicating greater acute toxicity. Wistar rats were assigned to control and treatment groups and administered CuO followed by the crude C. sativa leaf extract. Serum samples were analyzed for sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), as well as selected biochemical parameters. CuO exposure produced significant alterations in serum electrolyte concentrations compared with the control group. Administration of the 80% methanolic C. sativa leaf extract following CuO exposure modulated these electrolyte alterations, with significant differences observed among treatment groups (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that CuO exposure disrupts electrolyte homeostasis, potentially through alterations in renal function and fluid balance. The observed modulatory effects of the extract indicate its potential to mitigate CuO-induced electrolyte disturbances. Thus, C. sativa leaf extract may represent a potential source of bioactive compounds for managing heavy-metal-induced toxicity and associated disturbances in electrolyte homeostasis. Further studies are required to identify the active constituents and elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Cannabis sativa; copper (II) oxide; crude extract; electrolyte balance; LD₅₀; toxicity

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