BIOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF ICACINA TRICHANTA OLIV. ON UREA, CREATININE AND KIDNEY OXIDATIVE STATUS IN CCL4-INDUCED RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN RATS.

Abstract

Different parts of Icacina trichanta has been used for ethnomedicinal purposes; this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of this plant on CCl4- induced renal damage. Phytochemical analyses were carried out on powdered sample using standard procedures. Absolute organ weight, Urea, creatinine, total protein, superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde levels were determined. Consequently, thirty-six male albino rats were divided into six groups of six rats each. They were fed rats‘ chow and water ad libitum. Groups I (normal control) and III were not induced. While group III was administered 400 mg extract/kg body wt. of rats, group I was not administered the extract. Groups II (negative control), IV, V and VI were induced with 1.0 ml CCl4/kg and administered 200, 300 and 400 mg extract/kg b.wt of animals respectively for 14 days. Results of phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and polyphenolics. CCl4 induction significantly raised the levels of urea, creatinine, total protein and lipid peroxidation status of rats. These effects were ameliorated on administration of the graded doses of extract.