Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal which is classified as a group I carcinogen for humans and other animals [1]. Numerous investigations have designated it as a “Global Environmental Toxicant” which adversely affects the health of humans as well as their ecosystem. Studies conducted in USA, Europe and Japan have revealed that elevated cancer mortality rates are directly associated with Cd exposure [2], [3], [4]. Humans are exposed to Cd through various routes such as smoking, contaminated water, inhalation, and food ingestion. Notably, in nonsmoker persons, dietary intake of Cd accounts for 90% of total Cd exposure [5]. Furthermore, animal manure, sewage sludge and commercial fertilizers escalated the levels of Cd in soil as well as in water [6], [7], [8]. Cd is released into the environment via natural (volcanic eruptions) as well as man-made (dumping of industrial and domestic wastewater) sources [9].

Excessive exposure to Cd causes serious damage to various body organs such as lungs and liver [10]. It is reported that intraperitoneal administration of Cd induces vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes as well as escalates the levels of inflammatory cytokines [11]. Furthermore, drinking Cd contaminated water elicits oxidative stress in hepato-renal tissues which ultimately disrupts the basal metabolic rates [12]. It is reported that Cd intoxication is associated with various hepatic diseases such as hyperglycemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and necroinflammation [13]. Cd exposure significantly increases liver function markers such as LDH, ALT, and AST [14].

Since decades, plant derived compounds are considered as potent agents to treat various medical conditions due to their antioxidative, anti-cancerous, and anti-apoptotic abilities [15]. Flavonoids are widely used as pharmacotherapeutic agents to counteract different medical conditions [16]. Numerous investigations documented that use of antioxidants particularly plant-based flavonoids has demonstrated potential effects to counteract Cd induced hepatotoxicity [17], [18]. Eriocitrin (ERCN) is a natural flavone which is extracted from the peel of lemon [19]. Previous investigations have reported the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory [20], anti-apoptotic [21], and reno protective [22] potential of ERCN. Therefore, the current trial was designed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of ERCN against Cd provoked liver toxicity in rats.