Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Wistar rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimumon enzymatic antioxidants and renal function in carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity. Twenty-five (25) adult Wistar rats were involved in this study. They were randomly assigned into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each, as follows: Group A received 1 ml of distilled water daily, Group B received 1.5 ml/kg of olive oiltwice a week for 15 days, Group C received 250 mg/kg of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract daily, Group D received 1.5 ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride and olive oil (1:1 v/v), twice a week for 15 days, while Group E received 1.5 ml/kg ofcarbon tetrachloride and olive oil (1:1 v/v), twice a week for 15 days+ 250 mg/kg of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract, daily. The extract was administered by orogastric tube, while olive oil and carbon tetrachloride were administered by intraperitoneal injection. Renal function markers (creatinine and urea), and malondialdehyde were assayed in plasma and tissue homogenate, respectively, using standard methods. Obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using the IBM SPSS statistics software (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 25) and relevant statistical values were analyzed. Results showed that the intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride together with olive oil significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of urea and creatinine, and a similar outcome was observed in malondialdehyde levels. The administration of Ocimum gratissimum ensured a reversal of these levels to those comparable with the control. This demonstrates that aqueous leaf extract Ocimum gratissimum has the potential to manage carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity.