The Effects of Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) Leaves Extract On The Histology Of The Liver, kidney, and Small Intestine of Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Abstract Anacardium occidentale leaf is consumed in Nigeria and other parts of the world as a refreshing drink, for culinary purposes in delicacy and for therapeutic purposes. This study was to examine the effects of Anacardium Occidentaleleave extract on the histology of the Kidney, the Liver and the Small intestine of wistar rats to determine the empirical and physical measurement of wistar rats treated with oral administration of Anacardium Occidentale leaves extract. The acute toxicity of Anacardium Occidentale dose (L.D50) tolerable by the rat is 4,525mg/kg body weight. Twenty (20) male wistar rats of average weight of 172.6g± 4.8 (Means ± S.E.M) were assigned to a control group (A) and test group (B,C, and D,E). They were administrated with varying concentrations (200 to 800mg/kg) for 28days daily. On day 29, all rats were sacrificed by cranial-spinal dislocation. The kidney, liver and small intestine were excised, grossed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution for 48hrs prior to histological processing. Sections were obtained at 3-5 microns and stained with hematoxylin and Eosin and Periodic Acid Schiff solution for light microscopy. No changes were observed grossly and histologically. However, the empirical measurement showed significant reduction in weight in low dose treated animals (group B and C) and negligible weight loss in high dose (Group D and E) treated animals. The histopathology of the Kidney, Liver and Small intestine after the administration of Anacardium Occidentale leaves extract, showed no toxic effects exerted on the wistar rat. This study suggests that since there is no toxic effect exerted on the Kidney, Liver and Small intestine, Anacardium Occidentale leave remains suitable for consumption (as a pleasure drink, for culinary purposes, in delicacies or for therapeutic use).