Renal tissue and biochemical responses to polyherbal consumption in Wistar rats

InformationPolyherbal preparations are widely consumed for perceived therapeutic synergy, yet their renal safety is often poorly characterized.The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to xenobiotic exposure, and renal impairment may be detected using biochemical indices (urea, creatinine, and electrolytes) alongside histological assessment.This study evaluated renal biochemical indices and kidney tissue morphology following subacute oral administration of aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit and Jatropha curcas leaf, administered singly and in combination, in Wistar rats.Twenty-four adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6).Group A received distilled water (control Group).Group B received T. tetraptera fruit extract (200 mg/kg), Group C received J. curcas leaf extract (400 mg/kg), and Group D received a combination of both extracts (200 mg/kg + 400 mg/kg).The treatments were administered orally once daily for 28 days.At termination, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels were analyzed using standard biochemical methods.Kidneys were excised, fixed, processed, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation.Serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels showed no significant differences across the groups (p > 0.05).Urea, chloride, and bicarbonate levels differed significantly among the groups (p < 0.05), however, the values remained within the physiological range and were not accompanied by creatinine elevation.Kidney and body weight changes were not significantly altered in the present study.Histological findings demonstrated preserved renal architecture with normal glomeruli and tubules and no evidence of necrosis or inflammatory infiltration in any group.Subacute oral administration of a polyherbal mix did not produce biochemical or histological evidence of nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats at the tested doses.