Nephroprotective effect of Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf extract in paracetamol-induced toxicity in Wistar rats: A histopathological investigation

Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf is among the most commonly consumed leafy vegetables in west African sub-region. In South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of Nigeria, it is used for treatment of various health disorder such as headaches, pains, fever, convulsions, and respiratory disorders. This study was aimed at evaluating the possible effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii on paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty (20) Wistar rats weighing between 190 – 240 g were used for this study and divided into five (5) groups, each group having four (4) animals, described as follows; Group A was given distilled water only (positive control). Group B was given 700 mg/kg paracetamol with no treatment (negative control); Group C was given 700 mg/kg paracetamol and treated with 60 mg/kg of plant extract. Group D was given 700 mg/kg paracetamol and treated with 30 mg/kg of plant extract. Group E given 700 mg/kg of paracetamol and treated with 15 mg/kg of plant extract. At the end of the four (4) weeks of treatment, the kidneys were removed, weighed and sacrificed for histological examinations. Coronal sections of the kidney tissues were immersion fixed in 10 % PBS-buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. The results obtained revealed a normal cellular architecture in the groups treated with the leaf extract. Conclusively, the result suggests protective effects of ethanol extract of P. mildbraedii leaf on the paracetamol-induced toxicity on the kidney cells.