Effects of Gymnema sylvestre 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.