Morphological Alterations of the Kidney of Albino Rats Following Oral Administration of Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf Extract of <i>Gongronema latifolium</i>

The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that function to keep the body stable. This research was carried out to determine the morphological alterations in the kidney tissues upon administration of aqueous and methanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium orally. A total of 15 rats were grouped into five in this manner: Control as Group 1, low dose (280 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract was received by Group 2, Group 3 received a high dose (560 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract, Group 4 received a low dose (150 mg/kg) of the methanolic extract, and Group 5 received a high dose (300 mg/kg) of the methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract. The rats were kept to acclimatize for 2 weeks after which the extracts were given for 21 days. Blood specimens were obtained through the rats' medial canthus of its retro-orbital plexus into a plain tube for biochemical evaluation. The kidney tissues were harvested, fixed in 10% NBF, and processed using the automatic tissue processor to determine the histomorphological changes. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the weights of rats when compared to the control after administration. The relative organ weight and biochemical parameters showed no significant differences. The histological samples revealed mild morphological changes in groups 2, 3 and 4 showing eosinophilic materials in the form of hyaline glomerulopathy with eosinophilic casts, which can be attributed to environmental factors. In conclusion, results obtained in the study have shown a positive effect of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract in the kidney tissues and in weight gain, proving that it maybe safe for consumption.