Nephroprotective and Anti-hyperlipidemic Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) against Thioacetamide-induced Renal Injury in Wistar Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective and anti-hyperlipidemic potential of methanol leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium (utazi) in albino rats. Freshly harvested leaves of G. latifolium were processed into fine powder with which extract was formed. Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups of five rats per group. Group I was the normal control and was administered with 2 ml of distilled water. Group III and IV were pretreated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract respectively for 28 days prior to oral administration of 100 mg/kg of thioacetamide (TAA) on groups II, III and IV. Animals were denied food overnight and subsequently sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Collected blood samples were analyzed using standard procedures. The result obtained from the qualitative phytochemical analysis performed on the leaf of G. latifolium revealed that saponins and flavonoids are the most abundant of the phytochemicals reportedly present. Oral administration of methanol leaf extract of G. latifolium significantly (p<0.05) demonstrated the potential to normalize serum lipid profile, as well as indices of renal functions. In conclusion, Gongronema latifolium leaf is nephroprotective and anti-hyperlipidemic.