Effects of crude ethanol extract of <i>Tapinanthus globiferus</i> a. Rich on functional and structural integrity of the rats kidney

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of crude ethanol extract of Tapinanthus globiferuson rat kidney. The toxic effects of the extract on rats kidney after 28 days of oral administration were evaluated on serum levels of urea, creatinine, sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl^-) and bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) while histopathology was evaluated on sections of the kidney. Results from the acute toxicity studies on the extract were found to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight in rats after oral administration. The biochemical analysis of the extract showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum urea, creatinine and sodium levels, and significant (p<0.05) increase in serum potassium and chloride levels at doses of 175 and 350 mg/kg, while serum bicarbonate remained insignificant at tested doses. However, histological observations showed no significant structural changes in the kidney architecture at doses of 87.5 and 175 mg/kg extract compared to control, but at 350 mg/kg dose of extract showed areas of degeneration of Bowman’s capsule.The present work has revealed the non-toxicity of the ethanol extracts of Tapinanthus globiferus at low dose but suggests that its prolonged usage at higher dose should be monitored.

Keywords: Tapinanthus globiferus, Creatinine, Electrolytes, nephrotoxic, Bowman’s capsule