Effect of ethanol stem bark extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) on serum electrolytes balance of albino rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Piptadeniastrum africanum stem bark extract (PASBE) on serum electrolytes of albino rats. Freshly harvested stem bark of P. africanum was dried at room temperature and afterwards ground into fine powder which was subsequently extracted. Twenty five (25) adult male albino rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control, Group II was administered 500 mg/kg of extract, Group III was administered with 1000 mg/kg of extract, and Group IV was administered 2000 mg/kg of extract while Group V was administered 2500 mg/kg of extract. Treatment lasted for 28 days after which animals were sacrificed and blood sample collected and analysed by standard procedures. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the levels of serum electrolyte across the various groups compared to the control. In conclusion, the amount of serum electrolyte balance was not disturbed following the administration of extract.