EFFECTS OF ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA LEAF EXTRACT ON RENAL AND HEPATIC INDICES OF ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Background: Andrographis paniculata, commonly used in herbal medicine, is known for its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, limited studies have examined its potential effects on renal and hepatic functions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of A. paniculata ethanolic leaf extract on renal and hepatic indices in male albino rats. Methods: Twenty-one male rats were divided into three groups: a control group (distilled water), a low-dose group (10 mg/kg), and a high-dose group (200 mg/kg). The extract was administered orally for 14 days. Serum levels of renal (urea, creatinine, electrolytes) markers were analyzed using ST-100B Electrolyte Analyzer (for electrolytes), Jaffe-slot alkaline picrate method (for creatinine), Berthelot method (for urea), and hepatic (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) markers were analyzed using enzymatic methods. Kidney histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining technique. Results: There was a significant increase in AST (p=0.026) and ALT (p=0.003) levels in the treatment groups, indicating hepatocellular damage. Serum potassium levels also increased significantly (p=0.0419), while other renal markers (urea, creatinine, sodium, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, pH) remained unchanged (p>0.05). Histopathological assessment revealed dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, with the high-dose group exhibiting glomerular vacuolations, tubular degeneration, and expanded urinary spaces. Conclusions: High-dose A. paniculata administration was associated with hepatocellular damage and potential nephrotoxicity, despite no significant changes in serum renal markers. These findings highlight the need for caution in its therapeutic use and further studies to determine safe dosage thresholds.