Toxicology of the renal indices of Wistar rats induced with leaf extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana

Abstract

Acalypha wilkesiana has been used in time past to treat various ailments that were not limited to skin infections, inflammation, or stomach ache. However, the safety and toxicity of the plant cannot be over emphasized. This study aimed to assess the toxicological effects on renal indices in Wistar rats induced with A. wilkesiana leaf, extracted with aqueous and methanol solvents using maceration method. Lorke's method was employed to determine oral toxicity (LD₅₀) of both extracts. Sixty-five rats (150 -180 g) were divided into seven groups of five rats each for toxicity study while thirty-five rats were placed in four groups of five rats each for biochemical analysis: the control designated group 1, were not given extract, groups 2, 3, and 4, were orally feed different doses of the leaf extracts each at 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days and blood recovered for analysis. Changes in body weight and kidney biochemical parameters were tracked as markers of toxicity. The results showed no signs of toxicity, significant changes in body weight, or death in any of the treated groups. Rats given leaf extracts had no discernible negative effects, as seen by changes in plasma non-protein nitrogen and electrolytes. This suggests that A. wilkesiana is relatively safe at the tested doses but may have influence on renal function. However, no significant adverse effects were observed in the treated groups. Further studies are necessary to reveal any adverse effects in renal indices.