Inhalation of cement dust is the most important cause of respiratory diseases among people with cement dust related occupations such as cement factory and transporting workers, construction labourers, brick masons, concrete
finishers, plasterers, steel erectors et cetera. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus on cement dust-induced lung damage in the adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing
between 240 g and 270 g were divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats per group. Group A rats were placed on feed and
water only. Group B rats were exposed to 40 g of cement dust daily. Group C rats received 500 mg/kg body weight/day
(BWT/D) of Cymbopogon citratus. Group D rats were exposed to 40 g of cement dust and received 250 mg/kg BWT/D of
Cymbopogon citratus. Group E rats were exposed to 40 g of cement dust and received 500 mg/kg BWT/D of Cymbopogon
citratus. The dosages were given for 30 consecutive days via an orogastric method. The haematological outcome showed
that cement dust caused some derangements in haematological parameters, especially white blood cells, lymphocytes,
monocytes, mean cell haemoglobin and platelets. There were observable histological variations in the lung tissues of Group B rats which include distended alveolar sacs, activated lymphoid follicles, inflammatory infiltrates, particulate matters in the bronchial lumen as well as that Cymbopogon citrates had an ameliorative effect on cement dust-induced interstitial pneumonitis in Wistar rats. florid activation of the lymphoid tissues. These injuries are consistent with usual histological findings in interstitial pneumonitis. Group A, C, D and E revealed normal histoarchitecture of the lung, normal alveoli, patent bronchiolar lumen and normal arteries. It was concluded Cymbopogon citrates had an ameliorative effect on cement dust-induced interstitial pneumonitis in Wistar rats
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428-435
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