Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Phoenix dactylifera Fruit, Cyperus esculentus Nut and Cocos nucifera Nut on Selected Indices of Kidney Function in Male Albino Rats

摘要

bBackground and Objectives:/b Phoenix dactylifera fruit, Cyperus esculentus nut and Cocos nucifera nut are widely consumed as food in many parts of the world and are also the major ingredients in the preparation of certain drinks. This study examined the effects of ethanolic extract s of Phoenix dactylifera fruit, Cyperus esculentus nut and Cocos nucifera nut on selected indices of kidney function in male albino rats. bMaterials and Methods:/b Twenty male albino rats used in this study were distributed randomly into four groups with five rats in each group. Group 1 served as normal control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 served as test animals. The corresponding plant extracts were administered to the animals in the test groups through oral route for three weeks. Thereafter, they were starved overnight, anaesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed. Blood samples and kidneys were collected from the animals for biochemical and histological analysis respectively. bResults:/b The results showed that urea decreased in all the groups compared to the control. Urea decreased significantly (p0.05) in group 3 and 4, but decreased less-significantly (p0.05) in group 2 compare to the control. Creatinine decreased less-significantly in group 2 and increased less-significantly in group 3 (p0.05), but increased significantly in group 4 (p0.05). Sodium, potassium and chlorides increased less-significantly (p0.05) in all the test groups compared to the control. Sodium increased highest in group 2, potassium increased highest in group 3, while chlorides increased highest in group 4. The histoarchitectural states of the kidney sections showed that the extracts have no apparent toxic effects. However, there were some evidence of mildly altered parts of some kidney tissues. bConclusion:/b The results of this study showed the extracts have no apparent toxic effect on kidney function of the experimental rats. The results also showed the plant extracts may help to reduce the retention of urea, thereby supporting kidney functions. The three plant materials are therefore encouraged for use in general nutrition.