Hydroethanolic Leaves Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum Modulates Kim-1 Expression in Methyl Mercury Induced Kidney Damage

Bryophyllum pinnatum is a perennial herb native to Madagascar, it is used locally in the treatment of several conditions in folklore medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves aqueous extract in Methyl mercury-induced kidney damage in wistar albino rat model. Methyl mercury, an environmental toxicant has the potential to cause kidney damage when exposed in a large quantity. Twenty five adult male wistar albino rats were given 2 mg/kg of methyl mercury to induce kidney damage. Group B received 2mg/kg of methyl mercury without treatment, animals in Group C received 2mg/kg of methyl mercury and 90 mg/kg succimer, Group D received 2 mg/kg of methyl mercury and 100mg/kg of the plant extract while group E received 2mg/kg of methyl mercury and 200mg/kg. Animals in Group F received 2 mg/kg of methyl mercury and 400mg/kg body weight of the plant extract via oral intubation for 30 days. Kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) and uric acid level of the research animals were analysed to know the effect of the hydroethanolic leave extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum in methyl mercury induced kidney damage. A significant change was observed on the levels of Kim-1 and uric acid levels of the wistar albino rats after treatment with Succimer and Bryophyllum pinnatum hydroethanolic leaf extract. Bryophyllum pinnatum hydroethanolic leaf extract has the potential to reverse the effect of methyl mercury on Kim-1 and uric acid levels of the wistar albino rats.