Asian Journal of Research in Nephrology

Aim: The study aims to assess the effect of Vernonia amygdalina on some kidney function parameters in Alloxan – induced diabetic rats.

Study Design:  Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Departments of Biochemistry and Histology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, between September 2014 and September 2016.

Methodology: Thirty (30) rats with body weights ranging from 180 to 200 grams were split into five groups, each with six rats. As the control group, Group 1 was fed a regular diet. Group 2, which consists of diabetics, was not given plant extract treatment and instead received Alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). Group 3 was administered Alloxan and was given a single plant extract (VA). Group 4 was administered Alloxan and was given a single plant extract (MO). Alloxan was administered to Group 5 along with a combination of VA and MO plant extracts. After 28 days of treatment, serum urea, creatinine and kidney histology were examined.

Results: In group 3, the amounts of urea and creatinine were lowered by the VA plant extract. In group 4, the MO also decreased the levels of urea, and creatinine. When compared to the diabetic group, the combination therapy of aqueous plant extracts of VA and MO significantly decreased the levels of urea, and creatinine in group 5. Histological examinations supporting the results showed considerable reduction and amelioration of the abnormalities in the Alloxan + VA, Alloxan + MO, and Alloxan + VA + MO groups, and marked distortions and degenerations of renal tissues in the diabetic group.

Conclusion: The combination use of plant extracts from VA and MO demonstrated synergistic effects on diabetic renal tissues and this finding could provide a baseline for other related research studies.