Study on the biochemical and histopathological effects of herbal mixture on the kidneys of experimental rats

Abstract

Medicinal plants have shown to possess some biologically active constituents that have significant effects in human. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Goko Cleanser (herbal mixture) on the kidney of albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of the herbal mixture was done. A total of twenty-five animals weighing 150 g – 200 g were used. The rats were randomly selected into five groups of five (5) experimental rats. The groups were classified as A-E, and graded dosage of the herbal mixture administration was done. Group A served as normal control group and received no herbal mixture, group B received 1000 mg/kg of the herbal mixture, group C received 2000 mg/kg of the herbal mixture, group D received 3000 mg/kg and group E received 4000 mg/kg. The results show that Goko Cleanser herbal mixture contains tannin, saponin and flavonoids as its phytochemical constituents. The creatinine level had a significant (P<0.05) increase in test groups D and E when compared to the control group; while in groups B and C, there was no significant increase (P>0.05) when compared to the control group. The urea and potassium levels also had significant increases (P>0.05) in the test groups D and E when compared to the control group. Results of histopathological analysis showed a concomitance with the biochemical findings. Hence, the results from this study show that Goko Cleanser herbal mixture possesses dose-dependent toxic effect on the kidney.