Author(s): PE Omodale, SS Enitan, EN Adejumo, WA Akinleye and AS Bella

Abstract: The hepato- and nehro-protective potentials of aqueous root extract of Gongronema latifolium against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and Chloroquine induced nehrotoxicity in adult albino rats, were studied. Thirty six (36) albino rats weighing between 200±34g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into nine groups (1-9), where group 1 served as the zero control (baseline). Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups 2, 6, and 7 via oral administration of paracetamol 600mg/kg body weight, while group 3, 8 and 9 were induced with nephrotoxicity via oral administration of chloroquine 69mg/kg body weight. These were treated for 14 days, except for group 2 and 3 which served as the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic controls, respectively. Group 4 and 5 which served as extract controls were given100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of Gongronema latifolium root extract, respectively. Serum liver enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase), urea and creatinine levels were evaluated spectrophotometrically in accordance with the methods provided by the diagnostic kits (Teco Diagnostic, Anaheim, USA). The outcome of this study showed that the mean±SEM serum ALAT, ASAT and ALP levels of the Paracetamol + Extract groups, as well as the mean±SEM serum urea and creatinine levels of the Chloroquine + Extract groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05) than that of the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic control, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. This study indicates that aqueous root extract of Gongronema latifolium exerted significant protection against Paracetamol induced hepatotoxcity and chloroquine induced nephrotoxicity.