Effects of bentonite on plasma urea and creatinine of wistar albino rats.

Abstract

The in vivo effect of Nigerian calcium bentonite clay on wistar albino rat plasma urea and creatinine levels were investigated. The rats were fed for a period of four weeks with varying concentrations of the bentonite clay, and the urea and creatinine levels determined using spectrophotometric methods. Test results showed that the bentonite clay had a lowering effect on both the plasma urea and creatinine levels in a concentration and time dependent manner. The highest decrease of urea (0.63 ± 0.16mmol/l) was obtained at the 4 weeks duration with the highest concentration of bentonite (0.07g/100g body wt). The differences in weight and weeks were statistically significant on the effect of the bentonite on the plasma urea and creatinine levels at 95.0% confidence level (P<0.05). From the study, it was clear that the bentonite clay decreased the wistar albino rat plasma urea and creatinine levels. The significant decrease in the values of urea levels could suggest that the entire renal function may not have been compromised following the administration of bentonite substance.

Key words: Bentonite, Calcium, Creatinine, Plasma, Urea.