Ameliorative Eefects of Tiger Nut (<i>Cyperus esculentus</i>) on Aluminum Chloride Induced Renal Histopathology on Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is known in Nigeria as aya in Hausa, “Ofio” in Yoruba and “Aki Hausa” in Igbo, is an edible perennial grass-like plant. Tiger nut tubers can be eaten snacked, roasted, fried or baked and liquid (Kunun aya). Tiger nut contain lipid, protein, and carbohydrate (fiber and starch included). Tiger nut can be used to ‘mop up’ and scavenge free-radicals generated by essential metabolic body reactions and environmental pollutants. The major route of aluminium elimination is by the kidneys.Due to its reactivity, aluminum in nature is found only in combination with other elements like chlorine as in aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Al compound are used in a variety of foodstuffs, medications, domestic water supplies, kitchen equipments. herbs and cosmetics. If the kidney cannot excrete Al, it will accumulate in the body. The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effects of tiger nut against aluminium chloride induced renal histopathology in the kidney of wistar rats. Twenty adult males and females wistar rats weighing 80 – 170g were grouped into 4. Group 1 - Control group, received normal saline for 14 days, Group 2 – received 1250mg of liquid tiger (ethanolic extract) nut extract daily by oral route for 14days. Group 3 – received aqueous aluminium chloride 500mg/kg followed by 2500mg/kg of liquid tiger nut extract daily by oral route for 14days and Group 4 – received aqueous aluminium chloride 500mg/kg followed by 3750mg/kg of liquid tiger nut extract daily by oral route for 14days. After sacrifice and tissue processing, groups 1 and 2 presented normal renal histology while groups 3 and 4 presented normal renal histology with lymphocytes between their distal convoluted tubules around the medulla. It was concluded that tiger nut has an ameliorative effect on AlCl3 induced histomorphological changes in the histology of kidney and it has no any negative effect on the histology of kidney.