Effects of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Pterocarpus mildbraedii on renal and heart functions of albino rats

Abstract

Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf is among the commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves had been found to exert anti-diabetic effect in rats. This study was designed to investigate the possible toxicological effects of the ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of this plant on renal and heart functions in Wistar albino rats. Both extracts were administered  intraperitoneally to four groups of rats at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The renal and heart function indices were analyzed using standard methods. Histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also carried out. Results showed no remarkable alterations of serum levels of renal and heart function indices estimated. No significant differences (p>0.05) in sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3), urea and creatinine (CRSC) levels used to assess renal functions were observed at the end of the 28 days-treatment when compared with control group that received saline. Also, serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were insignificantly (p>0.05) affected. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the kidney  samples revealed normal cellular architecture in both control and treated groups. These results suggest non-toxic effects of leaf extracts of P. mildbraedii on the kidney and heart in rats. Hence, the plant can be considered safe for use as leafy vegetable, pharmaceutical and or neutraceutical formulations.

Keywords: Pterocarpus mildbraedii, Renal function, Lactate dehydrogenase, Kidney function, Heart, Toxicology