Effect of Crude Musa acuminata Sap on Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rat

Abstract

Background: Nephrotoxicity remains a major clinical challenge, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy with agents such as doxorubicin (DOX). Doxorubicin-induced renal damage is largely mediated through oxidative stress, inflammation, and tubular epithelial cell injury, leading to impaired renal function. Aim: This study evaluates the effect of crude Musa acuminata sap against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rat. Methods: Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats of body weight 150-250g were assigned into six (6) groups (A - F) of 5 rats each. Group A rats served as normal control and received feed and distilled water ad libitum. Group B rats served as positive control induced with DOX only at single dose of 10mg/kg i.p per day and remained untreated and received feed and distilled water ad libitum. Group C, D, E and F were nephrotoxicity induced with DOX and treated with 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg   b.w of DOX for 7 days.  Serum urea and creatinine and body weights were assayed. Results: The results show that DOX administration significantly (P<0.05) elevated serum urea and creatinine levels, confirming renal impairment. There was also a significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight among the untreated nephrotoxicity group. However, treatment with crude Musa acuminata sap significantly reduced serum urea and creatinine concentrations in groups C, D, E and F compared to the group B, The curative effect was more prominent in group F and C while groups B and D showed no statistically (P>0.05) significant difference and shows that the effect wasn’t dose dependent while improving the renal function parameters. The treated groups also demonstrated better weight stability most especially in groups F. Conclusion:The findings indicate that crude MAS possess nephroprotective properties, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals property. The study supports the potential therapeutic role of plant-derived interventions in mitigating chemotherapy-induced renal toxicity. Further investigations involving histopathological and molecular analyses are recommended to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action.