Biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats

Abstract

The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense are commonly used as spices. Due to their wide use in nutrition and traditional medicine, there is need to examine the biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats. The test animals (groups 2, 3 and 4) received 100 mg/kg each of the corresponding extract for 21 days. Group 1 served as normal control and received a placebo of normal saline. The animals were later fasted overnight, sacrificed and their blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical indices. AST activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 2 compared to the normal control; ALP decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3; while ALT increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 4. The concentrations of urea and potassium showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3. Creatinine increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 2. Concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium and chlorides in the test animals did not show any significant alteration. WBC count increased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 3 and non-significantly (p > 0.05) in groups 2 and 4. PCV increased significantly in rats of group 4 and non-significantly in groups 2 and 3. RBC count and Hb levels increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) in all the test groups compared to group 1. The histoarchitectural states of the liver and kidneys showed no apparent alteration by the different extracts. The extracts have no apparent toxic effect on the liver and kidneys of the experimental rats, although fruits’ extract of Xylopia aethiopica showed possibility of exhibiting mild liver toxicity.