Biochemical and histopathological effects of a bioinsecticide, Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engler rhizome powder on Wistar rats

Abstract

Anchomanes difformis is a rhizomatous herb that is commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. However, there are reports of its toxicity to animals at certain concentrations. The present study was therefore designed to study the potential toxic effects of A. difformis on the liver and kidney of Wistar rats by using various biochemical indices and histopathology. The rats were divided into five groups (I–V) and were treated as follows: group I (negative control); groups II, III, and IV had 1, 2.5, and 5% of A. difformis respectively included in their diets; and group V (positive control) had 5% permethrin in their diets. The experimental treatment lasted 30 days after which the animals were sacrificed, and the blood collected for the determination of serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, and creatinine. The liver and kidney were excised for histopathological and biochemical analyses. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine were significantly higher in rats that were maintained on diets that contained 5% A. difformis and 5% permethrin compared to those maintained on basal diets, 1 or 2.5% A. difformis. On the other hand, the liver and kidney levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine were significantly lower in rats that were maintained on diets that contained 5% A. difformis and 5% permethrin compared to those maintained on basal diets, 1 or 2.5% A. difformis. Also, maintenance of rats on diets that contained 5% A. difformis and 5% permethrin resulted in apparent damage to the liver and kidney. This study has shown the level of safety of A. difformis on mammals; it is both hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at high levels; therefore, caution must be applied when using the plant as herbal medicine.