Hippocratea africana root extract and fractions attenuate paracetamol-induced oxidative stress and kidney injuries in rats

Abstract

Hippocratea africana root used locally in the treatment of poisoning was investigated to confirm its antidotal potential in rats. The root extract (200-600 mg/kg) and fractions; dichloromethane (DCM) and aqueous, 400 mg/kg) were evaluated for nephroprotective activity against paracetamol-induced kidney injury in rats.  Anti-oxidative stress and renoprotective potentials of root extract and fractions were assessed by determining oxidative stress markers levels, kidney function parameters and histopathology in rats. The root extract and fractions caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) increases in the levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) in the kidney, while MDA level was decreased. The root extract/fractions caused significant (p<0.05-0.001) reduction of elevated serum levels of creatinine and urea of the rats, while the electrolytes levels were considerably reduced though not significant. Histology of kidney revealed absence or significant reductions in pathological features in the treated rats compared to paracetamol treated group group. The results show that the root extract and fractions of H.africana have antioxidative stress and nephroprotective potentials which may be due to the antioxidant activities of their phytochemical constituents.