Journal of Medicinal Plant Research Vol. 1 (2), 027- 029, September 2007          
© 2007 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Acute effect of administration of ethanol extracts of Ficus exasperata vahl on kidney function in albino rats

Ijeh Ifeoma Irene and Ukweni Ajike Iheanacho

Department of Biochemistry, College of Biological and Physical Sciences and

Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia Abia State Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ijehirene@yahoo.com

Accepted 22 August, 2007

Administration of ethanol extracts Ficus exasperata. Vahl at doses 50, 200, 500 mg/kg body weight resulted in body weight gain in all extract -administered groups over a 3-day period. Mean relative kidney weight increased from 7.5 x 10^-3 ± 8.7 x 10^-4 in the control group to 1.2 x 10^-2 ± 5.3 x 10^-5 in the highest dose group. Serum urea concentration also increased in a dose dependent manner (4.35 ± 0.045, 4.70 ± 0.00, 5.06 ± 0.53, 5.50 ± 0.58) in groups I, II, III and IV respectively. Serum sodium concentration also increased from 44.95 + 10.94 in the control group to 98.85 + 0.0, 123 ± 1.95 and 152.0 ± 35.70 in groups II, III, and IV respectively. These findings suggest that the administration of ethanol extracts of Ficus exasperata. Vahl at high doses could affect kidney function.

Key words: Ficus exasperata, Vahl, kidney function, ethanol extracts, serum, sodium, urea.