The Effect of Ethanol Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Fruits on the Histomorphology of the Kidney of Albino Wistar Rats

Aims: The study investigated the effect of ethanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruits on the histomorphology of the kidney of albino Wistar rats.

Study Design: Twenty (20) albino Wistar rats weighing between 130 – 180 g were assigned into four (4) groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as the control group. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received orally, 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg of Xylopia aethiopica ethanol extract per kilogram body weight respectively for twenty-eight (28) days.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Methodology: The body and kidney weights were observed and kidney was excised for histological studies using haematoxylin and eosin staining techniques.

Results: The final body and kidney weight showed significant weight increases in test groups compared with the control. The photomicrographs revealed gradual epithelial lining degeneration, vascular degeneration, inflammation and renal tubular degeneration and necrosis in the test groups when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: It can, therefore, be concluded that the administered doses of the extract of Xylopia aethiopica have nephrotoxic effects on the kidney of albino Wistar rats.