Preserved renal cyto-architecture and electrolyte balance in wistar rats treated with gongronema Latifolium

Many herbal concoctions are criticized for causing electrolyte imbalance and kidney damage. This research understudied the kidney handling of two fractions of Gongronema latifolium, a leaf with reputable medical reports on serum electrolytes and kidney architecture of normal Wistar rats. Eighten (18) male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of six rats each. Group 1, the control group, was administered 0.9% normal saline placebo. Group 2 was administered 200 mg/kg ethanol extract of Gongronema Latifolium. Group 3 received 200 mg/kg ethyl acetate fraction of same extract. Administration was via oral gavage and lasted for 14 days. The rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected into plain bottles, and centrifuged for serum. Laboratory tests were done for serum concentrations of electrolytes. The kidneys were also harvested for organ weight and histological studies. Result shows that both extracts decreased (p<0.01) serum levels of sodium and chloride ions, and increased (p<0.01) potassium and bicarbonate ions, all within normal values. There was no significant change in the weight of kidneys across the groups. Histology of the kidneys showed no derangement in their cellular architecture following administration of extracts. This therefore implies that Gongronema latifolium does not result in electrolyte imbalance, and does not impact negatively on the kidney.