Osagioduwa Joseph AJAYI

This study was designed to evaluate the creatinine and urea values in experimental rats fed with aqueous fruit pulp extract of Piralima nitida (OSU). The expense of the orthodox drugs has led to the increase demand for medicinal plants that are effective to treat diverse ailment. Serum urea and creatinine are widely accepted parameters to assess chronic kidney disease status as well as to assess renal status in susceptible diabetic and hypertensive subjects. Urea and creatinine are nitrogenous end products of metabolism. The effect of daily intake of the aqueous unripe fruit pulp of P. nitida on renal function was studied. Six groups of five (5) rats each were distributed according to weight (average body weight 135.0-185.0g). The test groups received aqueous fruit pulp extract of Picralima nitida dissolved in distilled water at 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight/day/rat orally using gastric gavage. The normal control animals had distilled water ad libitum. The animals were observed for signs of toxicity and mortality throughout the experimental period. The weight and the feed consumed by the rats were measured weekly during the feeding trial with a weighing balance. At the 35th day, the animals were fasted for 12 hrs and euthanized by decapitation. Blood was collected in appropriate containers for biochemical evaluation. The serum from each group was used to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and total protein [Randox] using commercial kits according to the manufacturer’s direction. Creatinine and urea levels in the treated groups were not significantly (p > 0,05) altered in the treated groups when compared to control. This means the Kidney is performing optimally well, these no disease condition attached to it.