Hyponatremic Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana in Male Wistar Rats
O. M. Iniaghe *
Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
E. B. Oyewo
Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
O. Egharevba
Department of Pathology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the hyponatremic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana in male wistar rats.
Study Design: In vivo study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Nigeria, between August 2011 and October 2011.
Methodology: Thirty two male wistar rats of average body weights (167.50 ± 5.56 g) were grouped into four (A-D), of eight rats each. Group A received distilled water (control), while constituted doses of 2500, 5000 and 10000 mg/kg body weight of the extract were administered once daily for 14 days to animals in group B, C and D respectively. The effect of administration of this extract on serum sodium ions and weight parameters was evaluated. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase; serum proteins, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, potassium, calcium and phosphate ion concentrations were determined.
Results: Significant reductions (p<0.05) were observed in serum sodium ion at doses above 2500 mg/kg body weight and this reduction was significantly dose-dependent up to 10000 mg/kg body weight of the extract. No significant differences (p>0.05) were obtained in all other serum and weight parameters determined.
Conclusion: This extract at the administered doses is safe, and its hyponatremic action suggests that it could be used as a diuretic.
Keywords: Acalypha wilkesiana, hyponatremic, diuretic, sodium ion.