DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2013.v01i07.006

Pages: 377-380

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Gum Arabic (GA) on nephrotoxicity induced by Aristolochia bracteata aqueous extract . Thirty six Albino rats were used, divided into 6 groups. Group 1 rats were orally given 1ml distilled water daily for 10 days and served as the control group, group 2 were orally administered with 1ml distilled water for 10 days and from day 5 to day 10 given 1000mg/kg.bwt of Aristolochia bracteata aqueous extract . Group 3 and 4 were treated orally with Gum Arabic 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively for 10 days and then given Aristolochia bracteata (1000mg/kg.bwt) from day 5 to day 10. Group 5 and 6 were given Gum Arabic alone at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively for10 days. The concentration of urea and creatinine as well as the activity of AST and ALT was measured. RBCs, Hb, PCV, MCH and MCHC were determined and the kidney histopathology was microscopically examined. Administration of G.A. was significantly decreased the elevated urea, creatinine, AST and ALT levels caused by Aristolochia bracteata . These findings were strongly correlated with decreased damage of the kidney tubules when compared to the group treated with Aristolochia bracteata. This study indicates that, GA. Possesses constituents with nephroprotective activity.