Hepatorenal Consequences of Spondias mombin Root Extract: A Histo-Biochemical Study in Animal Model

Spondias mombin, a tropical medicinal plant widely used in ethnomedicine, has been reported to possess different therapeutic properties, yet its safety profile on vital organs remains insufficiently defined. This study investigated the histomorphological and biochemical effects of S. mombin root extract on the liver and kidneys of Wistar albino rats. Twenty-four adult male rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into six groups (n = 4): a control group and five treatment groups administered 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1000 mg/kg body weight of S. mombin root extract orally for 28 days. Serum biochemical parameters, including electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), were analyzed using standard methods, while liver and kidney tissues were processed for histological evaluation with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Significant variations in body weight were observed (p < 0.05), with the 800 mg/kg group showing the highest gain and the 200 mg/kg group the least. Organ weights, however, were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Biochemical assays indicated stable levels of urea, bilirubin, and liver enzymes across groups, although creatinine was significantly reduced at 1000 mg/kg (p = 0.006). Histological analysis showed preserved hepatic and renal architecture at doses up to 600 mg/kg. At higher doses (800-1000 mg/kg), ballooning degeneration and microvesicular steatosis were observed in hepatocytes, whereas renal tissues remained morphologically intact. The findings suggest that S. mombin root extract is relatively safe at low-to-moderate doses but may induce dose-dependent hepatotoxicity at higher concentrations. Further long-term studies are needed to establish safe therapeutic limits and identify the bioactive compounds responsible. Keywords: hepatotoxicity, histomorphology, medicinal plants, nephrotoxicity, Spondias mombin.