Effect of Sub acute Exposure to Telfairia occidentalis Root, Pod and Stem Extracts on Some Liver and Renal Function Parameters in Rats

Aim: This study assessed the effect of twenty eight (28)-day exposure to aqueous extract of Telfairia occidentalis root, pod and stem on the liver and kidney of Wistar rats.

Methodology: Sixty eight (68) wistar rats were distributed into 17 groups of 4 animals per group and administered, per os (p.o), distilled water, root, pod, and stem extracts each at 250, 750, 1500, 2250, and 3000 mg/kg body weight (bw). All animals were treated for 27 days, followed by sacrificing under chloroform anesthesia on the 28th day.

Results: Biochemical assay results showed that the extracts had varying effects on the liver and kidney and these effects do not correlate directly with dose administered. The root extract showed some degrees of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity at half the maximum dose, and no toxicity observed at maximum dose. The pod extract caused disruption in liver membrane integrity and hyperalbuminemia, while the stem extract caused no necrotic injury but hypoalbuminemia. Both extracts showed mild to significant renal toxicity.

Conclusion: The non correlation of dose and effect was suggested to be due to different concentrations of the inherent bioactive principles which may be cumulative; exhibiting some synergistic and /or antagonistic tendencies, either which is achievable with varying dose and duration.