Main Article Content
Effects of <i>Gymnema sylvestre</i> leaves extract on liver and kidney of potassium bromate-treated rats
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Gymnema sylvestre (Gs) leaves on body/organ weight and selected biochemical parameters of serum, liver, and kidney of potassium bromate-treated rats. The animals were grouped into six groups with the control as group 1 while others were administered KBrO3 (20 mg/kg body weight (bwt)) only, Gs extract (200 mg/kg bwt) only, Gs extract (500 mg/kg bwt) only or with KBrO3 (20 mg/kg bwt) and Gs extract (200 or 500 mg/kg bwt). Liver and kidney function indices were determined by spectrophotometric assay of the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations respectively, while serum electrolyte: Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ and HCO3 - concentrations were determined using an automatic electrolyte analyzer. KBrO3 induced a significant increase (p˂0.05) in the liver and kidney function indices when compared to the control after 10 and 15 days of administration. The increase in activity of the serum enzymes confirmed the property of KBrO3 as a membrane labilisers. The administration of methanol extract of Gs leaves to KBrO3-treated rats significantly reversed (p˂0.05) the increase in activity of the liver enzymes as well as the electrolyte concentrations for both days. This is suggestive of the hepatoprotective potential and ability to protect the urinary tract by the plant extract. The results of this study suggest the possible application of the methanol extract of Gs leaves as a remedy for KBrO3 toxicity.