HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND RENAL EFFECTS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OFALBUCA NIGRITANA BULB IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Aloh,G.S., *Obeagu,Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Odo Christian Emeka, Kanu, Stella Ngozika, Ugwu Getrude Uzoma and Ikoro, Joseph Igwe

ABSTRACT

Methanol extract of Albuca nigritana bulb was investigated for its hepatoprotective and renal effects on hexane/chloroform induced hepatocellular damage in female wistar rats. The plant extract was administered at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight to the test groups randomized into two groups. Liver enzyme markers and important biochemical parameters were measured and compared with the positive control group. The plant extract showed no hepatoprotective effect but adverse effect on renal function as judged by the level of antioxidants, liver marker enzymes, urea, creatinine and electrolyte level in the sera of the induced experimental animals. The AST level showed a significant increase at 250mg/kg dose of the extract (p < 0.05) the level of ALT was not significantly increased (p>0.05), the level of total protein was not significantly reduced (p>0.05) and the albumin level was not significantly increased (p>0.05). The urea, creatinine and MDA levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Also there was also a significant reduction in glutathione, catalase, and vitamin C and E levels (p<0.05), while only SOD showed a significant increase at a dose of 500mg/kg of plant extract (p<0.05). Finally Na⁺ and Cl⁻ showed a significant increase in the serum level (p < 0.05). Only potassium showed a non-significant increase (p>0.05). It was therefore concluded that Albuca nigritana has no hepatoprotective effect but adverse renal effect on the animals used for the study.

Keywords: Albuca nigritana, hepatoprotective effect.