A Study of In vivo Biochemical Estimation of Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Physalis angulate

Abstract

The fruits of Physalis angulata are recommended locally for treating infection, infertility, inflammation, postpartum infection, skin diseases. Some medicinal plants may contain toxins that affect the organs in the body, especially the liver and kidneys. In order to validate the use of Physalis angulata fruits in traditional medicine, it is important to evaluate its effect on liver and kidney functions in experimental animals. Materials and Methods:  18 adults female Wistar rats weighing 120 ± 20 g were grouped into 3 groups, with each group consisting of 6 rats. The control group was on a normal diet and distilled water while the other groups received 500 mg/bwt, and 1500 mg/ body wt of ethanolic extract of Physalisangulata for 28 days respectively. Animals were acclimatized for 2 weeks before commencement of the experiment.  Blood samples were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Results: The concentration of AST in the control was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the values in the treatment groups. Concentrations of ALT and ALP concentrations were not significantly different among treatment groups. Serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, and chloride ions) were not statistically significant. Significantly (p<0.05) higher concentrations of creatinine were observed in Physalis angulate 1500mg/kg group compared to the control. Conclusion:Physalis angulate fruit extracts is safe and non-toxic to the liver and kidney.