Some clinico-pathological changes associated with the aqueous extract of the leaves ofPhyllanthus amarus in rats

Abstract

The pathological changes of the aqueous crude extract of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus were studied in 32 male rats over a period of 30 days. The animals were divided into four groups of eight animals per group. The aqueous crude extract was prepared and administered orally using a cannula to rats in three groups receiving doses of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg but the fourth group served as a control and received distilled water only. Blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis. Organs such as the liver, kidney, testes and pancreas were also assessed for histopathological changes. The study showed that the extract caused a decrease in the red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), but an increase in the white blood cell (WBC) count. The extract also resulted in an increase in the levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein and albumin. The study, however, caused a decrease in the level of alanine amino transferase (ALT). Histopathologically, there were cases of protein casts in the kidney tubules with tubular nephrosis, foci of lymphocytic infiltration at the portal areas of the liver as well as marked testicular degeneration with severe disorganization of seminiferous tubules, which were devoid of spermatic cells. A reduction in the weight of the experimental animals was also noted in this study. It thus shows that Phyllanthus amarus has potential toxic properties.

Effects of Extract of Spilanthes uliginosa (SW) on Total Protein, Albumin, Total and Conjugated Bilirubin in Ethylene Glycol Exposed Albino Rats

“…The observed increase in total protein levels in the treated animals may suggest that the plant extracts contained essential phytocompounds which help to restore the damaged liver. Apart from being a useful indicator of the integrity of glomerular membrane, albumin also is vital in determining the cruelty of disease (Adedapo et al, 2005). This result is in agreement with the report of the other researchers (Akanbi, 2013).…”

Histomorphological Changes in Kidney Associated with the Ethanolic Extracts of the Leaves of <i>Phyllanthus amarus</i> in Cadmium Induced Kidney Damage in Experimental Animals

“…It may be inferred from the present results that higher doses of Chanca Piedra may have resulted in degenerative changes observed in the renal cortex. The histological effects observed in this experiment is in coherance with the report of Manjrekar et al who observed that Chanca piedra induced deleterious changes on the renal tubules rats [ 45,46]. It is important to note that Chanca piedra contains alkaloids and lots of antioxidants [7,8,9].…”

Phytochemical constituents, hypoglycemic and haematological effects of methanolic Acalypha wilkesiana leaves extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…The presence of some phytochemicals in the A. wilkesiana leaves extract with the ability to stimulate the production of white blood count and its differentials could be responsible for the observed results in the treated diabetic rats. This observation of increasing levels of these parameters by A. wilkesiana extract suggests that the principal function of phagocytes, which is to defend against invading microorganisms by ingesting and destroying them, thus contributing to cellular inflammatory processes of the animals, will be enhanced [52].…”