Publication:

Ameliorative effects and histological assessment of active fractions of ethanolic fruits extract of Raphia hookeri on AlCl3 induced toxicity in rats

Background Aluminium chloride is a widely distributed element with a well-established toxicity. The study aimed at evaluating ameliorative effects of active fractions and ethanolic fruits extracts of Raphia hookeri on AlCl3-induced toxicity in male rats. The objectives included; determination of liver and kidney function biomarkers, lipid profile, histopathological assessment of the organs.

Methods A total of 110 healthy male rats weighing 180-200 g were grouped into 11 groups of 10 rats each. Group 1: Normal feed and water (normal control). Group 2: AlCl3 only. Group 3: 200 mg/kg b. w of vitamin C. Group 4 and 5: N-hexane fraction at 10 and 20 mg/kg b. w. Group 6 and 7: ethyl acetate fraction at 10 and 20 mg/kg b. w. Group 8 and 9: Aqueous fractions at 10 and 20 mg/kg b. w. Group10 and 11: Ethanol extract at doses of 200 mg/kg b. w and 400 mg/kg b. w. The treatment lasted for 21 days.

Results Results revealed a significant (p˂0.05) decreased in the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, TB, DB and TP. It further revealed a significant (p˂0.05) decrease in urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and chloride. Also, a significant (p˂0.05) decrease in CHOL, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C was observed. Histopathological assessment of the liver and kidney tissues corroborated the observed changes in enzymes activities.

Conclusions The findings demonstrated ameliorative potentials of active fractions and ethanolic fruit extract of Raphia hookeri against hepatic and renal damage induced by AlCl3 in a dose and time dependent manner.