Evaluating the Effect of Methanolic Achillea wilhelmsii Extract on the Liver and Kidney Functions in Rats

Introduction: Extracts of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch are used as anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, and topical anti-dandruff, and skin moisturizer. Given the increasing consumption of this medicinal plant among the people, it is necessary to conduct laboratory research in order to know more about its useful properties and possible harms. Objective: To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Achillea wilhelmsii on the liver and kidney functions in rats Materials and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group 5) and were studied for 7 days under the effect of 50, 100 and 150 m/kg herbal extracts. Serum levels of liver and kidney biochemical parameters were then measured. Significant differences between the control and treatment groups were analyzed by t-test at the level of P<0.05, using SPSS 21 software. Results: Oral administration of A. wilhelmsii extract at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg significantly increased Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Creatinine showed a significant increase only at the dose of 150 mg/kg, compared to that in the control group. But bilirubin in combination with ALP and alanine ALT at 50 mg/kg showed a significant decrease, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Recipients of other doses of extract did not show any significant differences. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, oral administration of A. wilhelmsii extract at 50 mg/kg dose significantly reduced liver and kidney enzymes, but at higher doses it did conversely. In order to be more certain about the protective or toxic effects of the plant extract on the liver and kidney, the histopathological effects of different extracts of this plant need to be studied further.