Ameliorating Effects of Solanum anomalum Thonn. Ex. Schumach Fruit Extracts on Paracetamol-induced Kidney Injuries and Haemato-biochemical Indices in Rats

Abstract

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic drug that is safe at therapeutic doses but toxic to the liver and kidneys in overdose. Although the risk of paracetamol-induced liver injury is much higher than in the kidneys, incidents of kidney damage by paracetamol should not be ignored, given the enormous cost of treating kidney diseases, particularly in resource-challenged developing nations. In an onerous quest for a cheaper and readily available antidote, this study examined the effect of Solanum anomalum fruit extract on paracetamol-induced kidney injuries and haemato-biochemical indices in rats. Twenty-five mature albino rats of both sexes were used, divided into five groups of five rats per group. Group 1 (normal control) rats were given distilled water (10ml/kg) for 8 days, group 2 (negative control) given distilled water (10 ml/kg) for 8 days, group 3 (positive control) given 100 mg/kg Silymarin for 8 days, group 4 given 452 mg/kg of S. anomalum fruit extract for 8 days, and group 5 given 678 mg/kg of S. anomalum fruit extract for 8 days. Thereafter, 2.0 g/kg of paracetamol was administered to groups 2-5 orally on the 8th day. Rats in group 2 showed significant increases in urea, creatinine, sodium ion, total WBCs, decrease in PCV, Hb concentration and RBCs. Administration of Solanum anomalum fruit extract significantly reversed most of these biomarkers.  Histopathology of the kidneys also points to the mitigating effect of Solanum anomalum fruit against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity.