Ameliorative effects of Psidium guajava leaf extract on ibuprofen-induced renal toxicity

Ibuprofen is an effective, cheap, and frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Due to its availability as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, there has been a prevalent increase in its abuse and overuse which poise high level risk of toxicity. Psidium guajava has been shown to be organoprotective. This present research study probed the efficacy of Psidium guajava (guava) leaf extract in mitigating ibuprofen-induced toxicity using renal parameters, haematological parameters in male albino Wistar rats. Adult male albino Wistar rats were weighed and separated into six groups of six rats each. Groups 1 & 2 served as normal and toxic controls receiving deionized water rand ibuprofen (20mg/kg) respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were given 1250, 2500 and 3750mg/kg of Psidium guajava orally, respectively concomitantly with ibuprofen 20mg/kg for 28 days. Renal and haematological param­eters obtained from the results served as scientific evidence in the study. Psidium guajava treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the decrease in the levels of haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, PLT, MCHC, MCV, N, L, E, and M) as produced by ibuprofen. This decrease was significant (P<0.05) for RBC and platelet count. Similarly, alterations in the renal parameters produced by ibuprofen were mitigated by Psidium guajava administration. There were sig­nificant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum levels of sodium (126.0 ± 5.7 to 118.0 ± 1.0), potassi­um (3.8 ± 0.3 to 3.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L), creatinine (184 ± 6.6 to 83.5 ± 6.4 mg/dL) and urea (11.0 ± 1.0 to 4.3 ± 0.9 mg/dL) in the ibuprofen (20mg/kg) plus 2500 mg/kg Psidium guajava-treated groups. Ibuprofen produced a sig­nificant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum albumin (45.0 ± 4.2 to 39.4 ± 3.6 g/dL) which was reversed in the Psidium guajava-treated groups. Histoarchitecture of the kidney tissues obtained from rats treated with ibuprofen with Psidium guajava extract (2500mg/kg and 3750 mg/kg) extract showed normal glomerulus, renal vessel, proximal and distal convoluted tubules with no obvious distortions. The collated evidence in this study indicates that Psidium guajava leaf extract may possess ameliorative effects against ibuprofen-induced toxicity in albino Wistar rats. Keywords: Psidium guajava, nephroprotection, ibuprofen toxicity, renal function,