Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on acyclovir induced renal damage in adult Wistar rat

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia Occidentalis on acyclovir-induced renal damage in the kidneys of adult Wistar rats. A total of thirty adult Wistar rats weighing an average of 200g were used for this study. They were randomly grouped into six (A, B, C, D, E and F), with each group consisting of five rats each. Group A was given distilled water, group B was administered with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis, group C was administered 1000mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis, group D was administered 28mg/kg body weight of  acyclovir, Group E was administered 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis and 28mg/kg body weight of  acyclovir and Group F was administered 1000mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis and 28mg/kg body weight of  acyclovir. Aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis and acyclovir were given via orogastric method. Biochemically, group D showed elevation of urea, creatinine, SOD and CAT levels statistically, while other groups revealed reduction in the urea, creatinine, SOD and CAT values statistically. Histological results showed that there was inflammation, vascular distortion and tubular necrosis in the kidney of Group administered with only acyclovir while there was protection in the kidney of rat administered with aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis and acyclovir,. In conclusion, aqueous leaf extract of T. Occidentalis has the potential to protect the kidney from acyclovir induced renal damage in adult Wistar rat.