Nephro-protective effect of Piliostigma thonningii extract on pregnant Wistar rats

Introduction: Pregnancy is a dynamic process characterized by dramatic physiological, anatomical and biochemical changes. Aim of the study: This research was aimed at investigating the effect of ethanol extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaf on the renal function indices of pregnant Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: Twenty five (25) pregnant female rats weighing 160- 220g were assigned according to body weight to four groups, labeled A-D. Animals in groups B, C and D were orally administered 200, 100, 50mg/kg body weight respectively of ethanol extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaf while group A which served as the control received distilled water. The extract administration was done for 14 days consecutively. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and blood collected via cardiac puncture for some electrolyte, urea and creatinine concentration determination. Results: The results showed that the extract produced a significant reduction (P <0.05) in serum Na+ , Cl- ion concentrations at 200,100 and 50mg/kg bwt when compared with control. The extract also produced a significant (P <0.05) increase on serum K+ concentration for all the experimental doses when compared with control .The extract also produced a significant decrease (P <0.05) in creatinine level at 100mg/ kg bwt and 50mg/kg bwt when compared with control but caused a significant (P <0.05) increase in serum creatinine at 200mg/ kg bwt when compared with control. Though the extract produced no significant (P <0.05) difference in blood urea nitrogen at 50 and 100mg/ kg bwt, a significant (P <0.05) decrease was observed at 200mg/kg bwt when compared with control. Conclusion: The spectrum of changes in this present research suggests no renal impairment, rather an evidence of nephro-protective effect during pregnancy or gestation.