Sub-acute nephrotoxicity of ethanol fraction of Senna tora on Wistar Albino Rats

Plant materials as sources of medical compounds continue to play a dominant role in the maintenance of human health since antiquity. The present study was designed to ascertain the toxicity of ethanolic extract of Senna tora leaves on Wistar rats. A total of twenty (25) Wistar rats were distributed into 5 group of 5 animals each. Group I, received normal saline, group II received 100 mg/kg, group III received 200 mg/kg, group IV received 400 mg/kg, and group V received 800 mg/kg of Senna tora leaf fraction respectively. The treatments lasted for 28 days of which the animals were sacrificed. Kidney test which includes the electrolyte like Sodium ion (Na⁺), potassium ion (k⁺), bicarbonate (HCO₃ ˉ) Chloride ion (Cl^-), Urea and Creatinine was done. The results revealed significant increase in the level of sodium ion (Na⁺), potassium ion (k⁺), and Chloride ion (Cl^-) concentrations between and within the groups of the rats administered dose of 200 mg, 400mg and 800 mg when compared with Normal control. However, the result also revealed that there was no significant increase in the concentration of bicarbonate (HCO3 ˉ) and urea. In addition, the result revealed that there is significant (p≤0.05) increase in the level of serum urea and creatinine concentration between and within the groups of administered dose of 100 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg when compared with the normal control group. There is significant (p˃0.05) increase in total cholesterol (T.CHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and Triacylglycerol (TGs) on the treatment with Senna tora leaf fraction. The present study revealed that Senna tora as a traditional herb for the treatment and management of diseases associated with kidney toxicity is effective.