Abstract

NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACTS OF SETARIA MEGAPHYLLA ON CARBON TETRA CHLORIDE INDUCED KIDNEY INJURY IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Raphael Chukwudiebube*, Godwin Odey Olim, Obiefule Henry Chukwubuikem,
Orjiewulu Vivian Chidera

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This work was designed to evaluate the nephroprotectiveeffects of ethanol leaf extract of Setaria megaphylla on carbon tetrachloride induced kidney injury in male albino rats. Methods: Thirty(30) albino rats were randomised into six (6) groups with each groupconsisting of five (5) rats. In each treatment group, ethanol leaf extractof Setaria megaphylla (150, 300 and 450 mg/kg body weight) wasadministered orally for eight (8) days before exposure to nephrotoxiccarbon tetra chloride, 0.2ml/kg. Results: Assays of kidney functionparameters, haematological parameters, histopathological study of thekidney, Antioxidant levels and oxidative stress measurement were usedto assess nephroprotective activities of the ethanol leaf extract ofSetaria megaphylla. Administration of Carbon tetra chloride(CCL4) inthe organotoxic groups increased the levels of kidney marker enzymessuch as (Na, K, Ur, Cr, Cl, HCO3) . The increase was statisticallysignificant in Ur (urea) at p<0.001; while creatinine (Cr) was statistically significant atp<0.05. There was a reversal of these enzyme levels, (Na, K, Ur, Cr, Cl, HCO3) onadministration of extract (150-450mg/kg) which indicated protection against CCL4-inducednephrotoxicity. Conclusion: The results showed that daily oral administration of ethanol leafextract of Setaria megaphylla portrayed a beneficial and ameliorative effect on the biochemical parameters evaluated, indicating that the studied extract is a potent naturalnephroprotective agent.

Keywords: Setaria megaphylla, Carbon Tetrachloride, Kidney, Nephro-protective.