The Effects Of The Root Of <i>Xylopia quintasii</i> On Blood, Liver And Kidney Function Indices In Rats

Abstract

The effects of chronic administration of aqueous extract of the root of Xylopia quintasii to groups of rats orally at 5, 10 and 20mg/kg body weights for four weeks showed a steady increase in the rats body weights throughout the study period. Serum protein, urea, Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and the weights of liver and kidney were not significantly affected by the extract administration. The levels of creatinine, alanine amino transferase (ALT), Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl- were all significantly raised. The increases were however not dose-dependent. Bicarbonate on the other hand was significantly reduced. Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were not affected. The results suggested some margin of safety of the extracts when used over a long period of time.

Key words: Xylopia quintasii, Annonaecae, Liver function, Kidney function, PCV and Hb, Serum electrolytes, Rats.

Nig. J. Nat. Prod. and Med. Vol.8 2004: 52-54