Assessment of the Protective Effect of Dacryodes edulis Methanol Seed Extract against Glycerol Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the protective effect of Dacryodes edulis (African pear) methanol seed extract against glycerol -induced acute kidney injury in Albino rats. Study Design: Using a preclinical experimental model, twelve (12) albino rats were grouped from A to D. Study Location: This study was conducted at the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. Methodology: Group A and B served as baseline control group and negative control group respectively and received distilled water and rat pellets for 7days respectively. Groups C-D received Dacryodes edulis extract in the following concentration 30mg/kg and 60mg/kg respectively for 7days. All administration was done once daily via oral gavage. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for serum analysis for levels of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Bicarbonate using QCA (Quinica Clinical applicator assay kits). All the rats were sacrificed on the eighth day, the kidney tissues were dissected, weighed, processed using paraffin wax embedding technique and further stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin technique for histological studies. Results: The results showed an increase in the body weight after the administration of the Dacryodes edulis extracts when compared to the body weights of the rats before the experiment. A statistically significant increase in the Bicarbonate level was observed in the rats that received 30mg/kg Dacryodes edulis extracts [18.86±1.03] when compared with the negative control [10.73±0.19]. Histological findings on the kidney include cellular infiltration of inflammatory cells and necrotic cells. Conclusion: Ultimately, there was no significant protective effect recorded in the treated groups.