Evaluation of plasma Na, K, urea, and creatinine in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice

Abstract

Study Background: Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health benefits. Na, K, urea, and creatinine are indices of nephrotoxicity. Overdose of amoxicillin, an antibiotic, could cause hemolysis and nephrotoxicity. Aim and Objective: This work was therefore designed to evaluate plasma Na, K, urea, and creatinine in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with cucumber (C. sativus) fruit juice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9–1.4 kg divided into three groups of five rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – Five control rabbits; Group B – Five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C – Five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL) were determined in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry using COBAS 111. Results: There was a significant decrease in the plasma values of K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL) following the administration of 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days than when they were given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days with P < 0.05. There was a significant increase in the plasma values of K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL) following the administration 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days than when they were given 30 mL of raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; basal samples; and also than the results obtained from the control rabbits with P < 0.05. There was also a significant increase in the plasma values of K (mmol/L), following the administration of 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days than the results obtained from the control rabbits with P < 0.05. Conclusion: This work revealed possible nephrotoxicity following the administration of amoxicillin overdose as indicated by raised plasma K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL), while the supplementation of raw cucumber fruit juice revealed nephroprotective and decrease in plasma K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL). Raw cucumber fruit juice could be applied to reduce drug-induced nephrotoxicity.