Abstract

EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE NEPHROTOXIC POTENTIAL OF GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT IN WISTAR RATS

Taofeeq Oduola*, Muhammed K. Dallatu, Sanusi W. Hassan, Muhammad A. Ndakotsu, James Y. Oyeniyi, Iyabo M. Adebisi, Aisha Aliyu and Khadijat O. Oduola

ABSTRACT

Background: Gliricidia sepium leaf extract is used in some parts of Nigeria by herbalists in the management of sickle cell disease. However, its possible adverse effect on kidney have not been evaluated despite the fact that it has been recognised that many herbs possess nephrotoxic property, hence this study aimed at investigating the effect of ingestion of methanol leaf extract of Gliricidia sepium on kidney functions in Wistar rats. Methods: Acute oral and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the leaf extract were determined according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines 423 and 407 respectively. At the end of each experiment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples taken for determination of electrolytes, urea and creatinine using standard techniques. Kidney tissues were processed histologically and examined for any abnormalities. Results: In the acute toxicity study, no death or sign of toxicities were recorded in the rats after 24 hours and up to 14 days post oral administration. There was no significant difference in all the parameters analysed between the control and the study groups in the toxicity studies. Histology of the kidney reveals normocytic normochromic cells. Conclusion: This study showed that Gliricidia sepium leaf extract may not be nephrotoxic.

Keywords: Sickle cell disease, management, kidney, Gliricidia sepium, adverse effect, Wistar rat.