Effects of aqueous extract of Glycine max on mercury chloride -induced kidney damage in adult Wistar rats

Abstract

Mercury chloride has a nephrotoxic activity, while Soya bean (Glycine max) on its part has antioxidant property. This present study evaluates the effect of aqueous extract of Soya bean on mercury chloride-induced renal damage in Wistar rats. Thirty-six (36) adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups of six rats each as follows: Group A (control); Group B (5 mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride); Group C (200 mg/kg body weight of Soya bean); Group D (400 mg/kg body weight of Soya bean); Group E (5 mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride and 200 mg/kg body weight of Soya bean); Group F (5 mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride and 400 mg/kg body weight of Soya bean). Mercury chloride was administered once every day for 28 days subcutaneously. The extract was given over 28 days through orogastric feeding method. After day 28, biochemical and histopathological studies were conducted to evaluate nephrotoxicity. Blood levels of creatinine and urea were quantified. Animals treated alone with mercury chloride (Group B) showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum urea and serum creatinine with significant (p < 0.05) reduction in body weight of rat. Treatment of rats with Soya bean alongside mercury chloride (Groups E and F) showed a statistical significance (p < 0.05) improvement in renal function and body weight. Histopathological findings confirm these conservations. Administration of Soya bean aqueous extract has protective effect on mercury chloride-induced renal damage in adult Wistar rats which may be attributed to the extract isoflavones component.