Alterations of Aqueous Persea americana Seed Extract on Renal Functions Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Kidney, paired organ whose functions include removing waste products from the blood and regulating the amount of fluid (electrolytes and water) in the body. Life-threatening illnesses occur when too many of these waste products accumulate in the bloodstream. Fortunately, a healthy kidney can easily function by ridding the body of these substances. This study was undertaken to determine the effect that aqueous extract of Persea americana seed has on renal (kidney) functions in alloxan-induced, diabetic (hyperglycemic) wistar rats. Thirty-Five (35) Wistar rats (140 – 200 g) were assigned into seven groups of 5 rats each with group A serving as normal control. While Groups B and C were respectively treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Persea seed extract (Non-diabetic rats), groups D and E received Alloxan (diabetic control), and Alloxan (diabetic, then treated with 50 mg/kg of metformin). Groups F and G were diabetic rats which respectively received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Persea seed extract. After 28 days of administration, rats were sacrificed with blood samples collected via cardiac puncture for electrolytes, urea and creatinine evaluation. Result shows in diabetic untreated rats, an elevation in the concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, Mg2+, Urea and Creatinine. Somehow, these levels significantly decreased at P<0.05 in rats that were treated with Persea americana seed extracts. No significant change was seen in HCo3- concentrations of diabetic control as against normal control. Apparently, Persea americana is a potent hypoglycemic agent, capable of ameliorating altered renal function associated with diabetes mellitus.