POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF Alstonia.congensis EXTRACT ON HEPATO AND RENAL ORGANS OF ALBINO RAT

Purpose: The study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of A. congensis extracts on hepato and renal organs of albino rat. Research questions: Is the extract safe for consumption? What is the LD50 of the extract? What is the effect on liver enzymes? What effect does the extract has on urea and creatinine levels of the test animals? Significance of the study: There is a widespread misconception that natural always means safe and a common belief that remedies from natural origin are harmless and carry no risk. This work defined that herbal medicines are expected to have side effect which may be of an adverse nature. Method: This study was carried out between February 2019 to October 2020 A. congensiswas collected from Emekuku area of Imo State, Nigeria. The albino rats were purchased from Animal Science and Production Department, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, UmuahiaAbia State, Nigeria. The possible effects of the extracts on hepato and renal organs of the albino rats were determined using automated machine. Result: In sub-acute study, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphotase (ALP) levels were significantly affected at all the doses of the extracts. There was no significant increase in the creatinine but there was increase in urea when a high dose of root extract was given. Conclusion: There was no evidence of drug-induced symptoms at all the doses of the extract administered but the results revealed a tendency to cause kidney problem when high dose is used on a long term.