Asian Journal of Research in Nephrology

Assessment of the Effect of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera on Some Kidney Parameters in Alloxan–Induced Diabetic Rats

Nwahiri, J. D. *

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

Ozoemena, C. C.

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Okolonkwo, B. N.

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Nwosu, D. C.

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

Nwanjo, H. U.

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

---

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to assess the effect of Vernonia amygdalina on some kidney function parameters in Alloxan – induced diabetic rats.

Study Design:  Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Departments of Biochemistry and Histology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, between September 2014 and September 2016.

Methodology: Thirty (30) rats with body weights ranging from 180 to 200 grams were split into five groups, each with six rats. As the control group, Group 1 was fed a regular diet. Group 2, which consists of diabetics, was not given plant extract treatment and instead received Alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). Group 3 was administered Alloxan and was given a single plant extract (VA). Group 4 was administered Alloxan and was given a single plant extract (MO). Alloxan was administered to Group 5 along with a combination of VA and MO plant extracts. After 28 days of treatment, serum urea, creatinine and kidney histology were examined.

Results: In group 3, the amounts of urea and creatinine were lowered by the VA plant extract. In group 4, the MO also decreased the levels of urea, and creatinine. When compared to the diabetic group, the combination therapy of aqueous plant extracts of VA and MO significantly decreased the levels of urea, and creatinine in group 5. Histological examinations supporting the results showed considerable reduction and amelioration of the abnormalities in the Alloxan + VA, Alloxan + MO, and Alloxan + VA + MO groups, and marked distortions and degenerations of renal tissues in the diabetic group.

Conclusion: The combination use of plant extracts from VA and MO demonstrated synergistic effects on diabetic renal tissues and this finding could provide a baseline for other related research studies.

Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera, kidney parameters, alloxan – induced diabetic rats

---

---

---

References

Mahdi AA, Chandra A. Sigh RK, Shukla S, Mishra LC. Effect of herbal hypoglycemic agents on oxidative stress and anti-oxidant status in diabetic rats. Indian J. Chin. Biochan. 2003;18:8-14.

Lynedjian PB, Pilot PR, Nouspikel T, Milburn JL, Quaade C, Hughes S, Ucla C, Newgard CB. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1989;86:7838-42.

Sawiress FAR. Effect of Ginseng extract supplementation on Renal functions in diabetic Rats. J. Agric Sci. 2011;3(2):17-31.

Wolf g, chen S, Ziyadeh FN. From the periphery of the glomerular capillary wall toward the centre of disease: Podocytes injury comes of age in diabetics nephropathy. Diabetes. 2005; 54: 1626–34.

Popoola JO, Obembe OO. Local knowledge, use pattern and geographical distribution of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) in Nigeria. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150:682–91.

Kaneto H, katakami N, kawamori D,Mijatsuka T, Sakamoto K, Mat-Suko TA, Involvement of Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Antioxid Redox signal. 1991;9:355- 66.

Cheesbrough, M. District Laboratory practice in tropical Countries, part 1. Cambridge University press. 2007; 358–61.

Atangwho IJ, Ebong PE, Egbuna GE, Eteng M.U. Effect of Vernonia amygdalina on Liver function in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. Journal of pharmacy and bio resources. 2007’4:110-2.

Accessed on: Jan., 2007;13.

Kakey, Ismial S, Sarmad R, Kareem and Kamal Ahmad. Role of green tea extrac in the improvement of Liver and renal functions in Alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in male albino rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Science Research, 2014;2(3):024-38.

Babalola OO, Anetor JI, Adeniyi FA. Amelioration of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity from leaves of Vernonia amygdalina. Afri J Med Sci. 2001;30:91-3.

Atangwho IJ, Ebong PE, Egbuna GE, Eteng MU, Eyong EU, Obi AU. Effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf on kidney function of diabetic rats. Int J. Pharmacol. 2007;3:143-8.