Evaluation of the effects of aqueous extract of <i>Parkinsonia aculeata</i> leaves on kidney and liver function indices in albino rats

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the reno- and hepatotoxicity effects of aqueous extract of Parkinsonia Aculeate leaves in wistar albino rats. Twenty rats were randomly divided into five groups of four animals each. Group 1 served as control, receiving only water and food, while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were administered graded doses of the extract at 0.60, 1.20, 1.80 and 2.40 g/kg body weight respectively, orally, once daily for 28 days. There were no mortality or behavioural changes in the acute toxicity study at single dose of 3.00 g/kg bw for the period of 48 hours. The extract also showed no significant effect on changes in the body weights of the animals. Alanine Transaminase (ALT) activity was significantly (p<0.05) decreased at the dose of 2.40 g/kgbw of the extract. Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly (p<0.05) decreased at the doses of 1.80 and 2.40 g/kgbw. The serum total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) increased at the dose of 2.40 g/kg bw of the extract. Serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels were significantly (p<0.05) increased at the doses of 1.80 and 2.40g/kgbw. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of P. Aculeate leaves may be safe to the liver but toxic to the kidney and the toxicity is dose-dependent.

Keywords: Toxicity, kidney, liver, extract, Parkinsonia aculeata