The Effect of Ethanol Extract of Ripe Denettia tripetala Fruit (Pepper Fruit) on Indices of Liver and Kidney Function in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: To investigate the effect of oral administration of ethanolic extract of ripe Denettia tripetala (DT) fruits on indices of kidney and liver function in male albino rats.

Study Design: Twenty (20) male albino rats weighing between 160–210 g were used for the study and were randomly assigned into four groups of five animals each. Group 4 served as control while Groups 1, 2, and 3 received orally the ethanol extracts of Denettia tripetala administered daily at doses of 262.20 mg/kg, 524.40 mg/kg and 786.61 mg/kg respectively for 30 days.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, University of Uyo between May 2016 and June 2016.

Methodology: Serum creatinine, urea, electrolytes, albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were assayed using Randox kits, USA.

Results: The result showed that there was an increase in the level of potassium in Group 2 and Group 3 compared to control. However, only Group 3 compared to control was significantly increased at (P=0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the level of creatinine, urea, sodium and chloride when compared to control. There was a significant increase (P=0.05) in the level of ALP in Group 2 when compared to control. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in total bilirubin, albumin, ALT and AST levels in the treated groups when compared to control.

Conclusion: The study suggests that ethanol extract of ripe Denettia tripetala fruit was not toxic to the liver and kidney. However further work is needed to confirm the results of the study.