Effects of Methanol Extract of Parkia biglobosa Stem Bark on the Liver and Kidney Functions of Albino Rats

Abstract

Extract of Parkia biglobosa stem bark is used in the treating of malaria, diarrhoea, pains and host of other diseases in Nigerian traditional medicine (NTM). The aim of this research was to determine the beneficial properties of Parkia biglobosa as drug and its effect on the vital organs (such as liver and kidney). To achieve this, parameters such as ALP, ALT, AST, catalase, urea, PCV, RBC count, MDA and creatinine concentrations in the blood were evaluated as well as the phytochemical screening. The results revealed that the extract did not induce significant changes in some of the hepatic and hematological parameters determined (such as ALT, MDA, AST, catalase and RBC). A decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity and PCV concentrations were also recorded. These results suggest that the hepatic integrity of the rats were preserved as the parameters evaluated did not show alteration in concentrations and activity of hepatic markers. On the other hand, urea and creatinine levels increased significantly indicating possibility of kidney damage. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, plant-protein, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, glycosides and reducing sugars in the methanol extract. This study has shown the functional characteristics and effects of the methanol extracts of the stem bark of P. biglobosa on liver and kidney function of albino rats in short time treatment with the extract as the liver remained intact whereas the kidney reflected changes.