The Protective Effect of Croton zambesicus against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Renal Toxicity in Rats

Background: The leaf extract of Croton zambesicus (CZ) is used in traditional medicine for the management of various conditions including kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the protective effects of leaf extract of CZ on rat kidney toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. Method: Male albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats and treated for 5 days with aqueous extract (200-400 mg/kg) and n-butanol fraction (20-40 mg/kg) of CZ. Carbon tetrachloride (2 ml/kg of 40% in olive oil) was administered subcutaneously for 3 days and the rats were treated with the extract and fraction for 3 days. Animals were euthanized on day 8 with intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (60 mg/kg) and xylazine (7.5 mg/kg). Blood sample was collected for the analysis of serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine. Kidney tissue was harvested to determine the antioxidant enzyme activity. Results: Carbon tetrachloride produced increased serum sodium ion, chloride ion, urea and creatinine with decreased superoxide, catalase, glutathione, oxidized glutathione and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration. Treatment of rats with the aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction attenuated the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride on kidney with a significant decline in serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine and a significant increase in the concentration of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: Results from this study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction of CZ had protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced renal toxicity in rats, thus justifying the consideration of this plant for the management of kidney disease.