Effects of Dacryodes edulis Leaf Extract on Kidney Function and Antioxidant Activity in Male Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the effects of aqueous Dacryodes edulis leaf extract on kidney function and oxidative stress parameters in male Wistar rats. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I served as the normal control, while Groups II and III received 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of D. edulis leaf extract, respectively, for 28 days. Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate concentrations were determined using Randox diagnostic kits. Kidney tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were also assessed. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, with significance accepted at p < 0.05. Administration of the extract produced no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride or bicarbonate concentrations compared with the normal control throughout the treatment period. Similarly, SOD, CAT and GPx activities and MDA concentration did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the groups. The findings indicate that aqueous D. edulis leaf extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg did not markedly alter the measured renal biochemical, electrolyte and oxidative stress parameters in male Wistar rats during the 28-day treatment period. Further studies are required to evaluate its effects following prolonged administration and in experimental models of renal injury.