Nephrotoxicity Screening of Aqueous Extract of Commelina diffusa in Non-Pregnant Female Wistar Rats: Acute to Chronic Exposure

Abstract

Nephrotoxicity is the immediate degeneration in the kidney activity arising from the toxic effect of medications and chemicals. Commelina diffusa is a medicinal herb that has long been used to treat a variety of ailments, however, its nephrotoxic effect has not been scientifically proven. This study evaluated the nephrotoxicity profile of aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Commelina diffusa in non-pregnant female Wistar rats. Commelina diffusa were collected from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Fifty (50) adult female Wistar rats (120–170g) were acclimatized for fourteen days under standard laboratory conditions with free access to feed and water. Rats were divided into 10 groups of five rats per groups. Group 1 served as control while group 2-4 orally received 166mg/kg of the extract for 7,14, and 21 days. Group 5-7 administered 250mg/kg while 8-10 were treated at 500mg/kg of the extract for 7, 14, and 21 days. All assays were carried based on standard methods. The RBC, Hb, WBC of group 10 were 11.43±0.03x1012/L, 13.84±0.02mg/dl, and 34.63±0.05x109/L respectively, were higher than those of group 1 (control). The K+, HCO32-, creatinine, and urea of group 10 (treated at 500mg/kg) were 17.62±0.03, 56.74±0.03 mmol/l, 0.64±0.02 mmol/l, and 4.68±0.03 mmol/l respectively, were spiked than the control. The RBC, Hb, and WBC were markedly amplified in rats treated at 500 mg/kg, suggesting anti-anaemic effect of the extract. The appreciably elevated electrolyte levels in kidney homogenates of the extract treated rats indicates, it Potentiated electrolyte synthesis and the extract is less nephrotoxic at 500mg/kg.