Phytochemical Composition and Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Eremomastax speciosa on Liver and Kidney Function in Wistar Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.83080/rejost.vol6no10.355Keywords:
Eremomastax speciosa, Wistar rats, Phytochemicals, Liver function, Kidney functionAbstract
This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and effects of methanol leaf extract of Eremomastax speciosa on selected liver and kidney function parameters in Wistar rats. Pulverized leaves were macerated in 99.8% methanol for 72 hours, filtered and concentrated via rotary evaporation at 40°C. The extracts were obtained using methanol. The phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out using standard qualitative procedures. For the in vivo study, 16 adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 4). Control group received normal saline, while groups 1 – 3 received incremental daily oral doses (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) of the extract for 15 days. After the administration of the extract for fifteen (15) days, the rats were fasted overnight, and then sacrificed by anaesthetizing with chloroform. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture to obtain haemolysis free blood samples with the aid of syringes and needles and transferred into pre-labelled, sterile plain sample bottles. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. The extraction process yielded 82.02g of crude extract (17.45% w/w). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in AST and ALP levels but high dosages of Eremomastax speciosa extracts significantly increase serum ALT concentration. Elevated total bilirubin was observed at moderate and high dosages while elevated direct bilirubin was recorded at high dosage. Medium dosage of extract significantly increased serum chlorine (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3‑) concentrations. Serum creatinine was observed to drop significantly at low and moderate dosages. Significant increase in urea levels was observed at low and moderate dosages. The findings established the presence of phytochemical constituents and absence of observed acute toxicity at the tested limited dosage. Therefore, there is need for further pharmacological, toxicological, long term toxicity assessments and detailed histopathological examination.
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