1,2Ismail M. M., 2Appah J.2Bello A. and 3Mohammed U. A
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Borno State University, Borno, Nigeria
2Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
3Department of Sciences Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: musaismail@bosu.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.03020105
ABSTRACT
Indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is known for its oxidative stress properties that cause significant organ damage, raising concerns about its use as a rodenticide and its potential risks to humans and animals. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of aqueous Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) seed extract on indomethacininduced liver and kidney damage in Wistar rats. The experiment involved 24 Wistar rats divided into six groups, including controls and groups treated with
indomethacin and various doses of Garcinia kola extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) or Atropine sulfate as a reference antidote. After 5 days of oral administration, blood samples were collected for liver and kidney function tests, alongside histopathological assessment. Indomethacin significantly elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALP) and kidney markers (serum creatinine, urea), indicating damage. However, rats treated with 300 mg/kg Garcinia kola extract showed normalized biochemical parameters (AST, ALP, total bilirubin, serum creatinine, urea, and total protein) comparable to the normal control group. Histological analysis confirmed the absence of liver or kidney damage in this group. These results suggest that Garcinia kola seed extract has potent hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antidotal effects, likely due to its bioactive compounds. The extract could potentially serve as an emergency intervention in cases of accidental poisoning pending medical treatment. Further research is recommended to explore the mechanisms involved and to conduct clinical trials to confirm its efficacy.
Keywords:
Hepatoprotective,
Nephroprotective,
Garcinia kola,
Indomethacin,
Poisoning,
Antidote