Effect of Oral Consumption of Action Bitters on Renal Indices of Apparently Healthy Subjects in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

Action bitters has been seen not to have nephro-toxic effects on the kidney. However, this study evaluated the effects of sachet packaged action bitters on the kidney of apparently healthy subjects. Blood sample was collected from 20 subjects. Basal blood sample and the blood samples collected after 2 hours of intake of action bitters by subjects were analyzed. The parameters analyzed include sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine using the colorimetric method of analysis and results subjected further to statistical analysis using the GraphPad Prism Version 8.02.Basal results of the renal indices obtained showed the values to be; 144.16 ± 8.89 mmol/L, 3.81 ± 0.57 mmol/L, 25.70 ± 5.66 mg/dL and 1.05 ± 0.38 mg/dL for sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine respectively while the results obtained from the subjects two(2) hours after the intake of action bitters were; 128.18 ± 11.05 mmol/L, 2.93 ± 0.57 mmol/L, 25.34 ± 4.74 mg/dL and 1.51 ± 0.75 mg/dL for sodium. potassium, urea and creatinine values respectively. The comparison of the basal and treated sample showed significant differences in the values of sodium, potassium and creatinine (P=0.05) while the urea value was not significantly different. The mean value for sodium and potassium in the treated subjects were significantly decreased when compared to the value gotten at the basal state where the action bitter has not been consumed by the subject whereas the creatinine value was significantly increased in the sample of the treated subjects compared to the value of the basal sample. This implies that exposure to a higher dose of action bitters might be detrimental to renal function in the body hence, the dose of bitters and its consumption by humans should be monitored in order to protect against any adverse effect, and subsequent malfunctioning of the kidney.

Assessment of hepatorenal biochemical indices in male Sprague Dawley rats preceding concurrent oral administration of Ghana alcoholic bitters and natural cocoa powder

“…The kidney is the site of accumulation of chemicals; hence urea and creatinine are sensitive and reliable biochemical indices for evaluation of renal function. 34 In the present study, the means of urea nitrogen and creatinine of the group treated with alcoholic bitters alone were higher than the natural cocoa powder only, co-administered and control groups. This finding corroborates several previous study reports where higher than normal values of the parameters were recorded in rats.…”

Hepatorenal function of Wistar rats treated with Alamo and Jekomo, an alcoholic herbal bitters in Nigeria

“…hence urea, total protein, albumin, bilirubin and creatinine are sensitive and reliable biochemical indices for evaluation of renal function [4].…”

“…publicity and recognition which has led to the repackaging of herbal bitters, blend of herbs, spices, roots and seeds as tonic and medicinal products. Herbal bitters have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory [2], anti-tumour [3], antibiotic [4], anti-fungal [5] and hypolipidemic properties [6]. Herbal bitters act on the pancreas thereby helping to normalize blood sugar levels, promote the production and release of pancreatic enzymes [7].…”