Dysregulation of Electrolyte Balance and Lipid Profile in Rats Following Oral Administration of Methanolic Fruit Pulp Extract of Azanza garckeana (Tula Kola Nut)

Abstract This study investigated the effects of methanolic fruit pulp extract of Azanza garckeana(MFEAG) on renal function through acute and subacute toxicity studies. Twenty-nine (29) apparently healthy adult male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 grams were used. For the acute study, 9 rats were randomly grouped into three: Group 1 were administered 300 mg/kg MFEAG once. Group 2 was sequentially administrated the next dose of 2,000 mg/kg, also once, when there were no signs of toxicity or mortality in Group 1 48 hours post-treatment, while Group 3 were administered the vehicle (10% v/v Tween 80). The rats were then observed for two weeks, and then sacrificed. For the subacute study, 20 rats were randomly grouped into four and daily administered once with the extract (at 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg doses) and the vehicle, respectively, for four weeks. No significant effects were observed on serum kidney function markers of the treated rats, except for the level of serum chloride that was increased and that of serum triglyceride that was decreased after the acute study, and then the serum sodium that was increased after the subacute study. These findings indicate that MFEAG may cause some level of impairment in renal function.