Abstract

NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT AND FRACTIONS OF MOMORDICA BALSAMINA LINN. IN ALBINO RATS

Ayinla Abayomi Abdulfatai* and Umaru Hauwa Aduwamai

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that methanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) can ameliorate renal diseases and injuries in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity albino rats. The aim of the study was to investigate the nephroprotective activities of methanol leaf extract and fractions of Momordica balsamina Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) in albino rats. Methods: Fifty-four male albino rats weighing between 100 ± 10g were randomly divided into nine groups of six rats per group. Group I served as a normal control while the other eight groups were administered intra-peritoneally with gentamicin (80 mg/kg body weight per day) for seven days to induce nephrotoxicity. Group II served as nephrotoxic (experimental) control. Group III was subsequently treated with the standard drug (Furosemide, 80 mg/kg body weight per day). Methanol leaf extract, fractions I and II of the leaf extract of M. balsamina Linn. at a daily dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively were used to treat group IV and V, VI and VII and VIII and IX separately. All treatments were carried out by oral gavages for fourteen (14) consecutive days. Assays of renal function biomarkers such as serum electrolytes profile (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3 -), Urea, Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), as well as Total Protein and histopathological examination were also carried out. Results: Results obtained showed that gentamicin administration induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats which were characterized by significant (P<0.05) elevation of all renal injury biomarkers (Urea, Creatinine and BUN concentrations), increased serum electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-) and renal tubular necrosis when compared with the normal control group. However, oral post-treatment with leaf extract, fractions I and II of M. balsamina Linn. in a dose-dependent manner compared to the experimental control restored all the indices with significant (P<0.05) restoration observed in fraction II. Conclusion: M. balsamina Linn. leaf exhibits nephroprotective activity through the amelioration of renal injuries in albino rats.

Keywords: Nephroprotective, Momordica balsamina Linn., Gentamicin, Renal injury.