Sub-acute Effects of Ethanol Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius Root on Some Physiologically Important Electrolytes in Serum of Normal Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Sarcocephalus latifolius (Synonym, Nauclea latifolia) is a shrub commonly seen in the South East of Nigeria. It is widely applied as herbal remedy in the treatment of various illnesses. The effect of ethanol extract of the root of the plant on some serum electrolytes was studied. A total of thirty Wistar albino rats were used to determine serum concentrations of K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3-. The animals were divided into six groups of five rats each. Five groups labeled A, B, C, D and E, were administered orally with graded doses of root extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius at concentration of 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 mg kg(-1) body weight, respectively. The sixth group (Group F) was used as the control and its animals were simply sustained on normal diet and water. Administration of the extract lasted for twenty-one days after which the animals were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. K+, Ca2+, Cl- and HCO3- were determined from each sample and the mean concentration was calculated for each dose and the control. Potassium, calcium and chloride determination were done by colorimetric methods while determination of bicarbonate concentration was done by simple titration. Na+ was separately assayed, by flame photometer, from a set of 18 rats of six animals in each of three groups. For K+, non dose dependent increases were observed which was non-significant (p > 0.05), for A, D and E but significant (p < 0.05) for B and C. Ca2+ showed a dose dependent and significant (p < 0.05) decreases, except for A (p > 0.05). Decreases (p < 0.05) for C, D, E and (p > 0.05) for A and B were observed for Cl-. Serum bicarbonate appeared almost completely unaffected by the extract, showing no significant changes. Na+ levels were depressed for the two test groups, A and B compared with the control (group C), with test group B showing a significant decrease (p < 0.05). From the analysis, it could be concluded that Sarcocephalus latifolius has the capacity to influence various electrolytes to physiologically important degrees. Significant reductions in sodium and calcium levels indicate the usefulness of the plant in treatment of hypertension and pain/fever, respectively. However, significant reductions in chloride may negatively affect the normal balance of fluid in the body. Therefore, more scientific research is needed to establish the best approach to optimizing the numerous medicinal potentials of the plant.

Therapeutic effects of Typha elephantina leave’s extract against paracetamol induced renal injury in rabbits

“…It has been reported that electrolytes have an important role in muscle contraction and relaxation ( Shrimanker and Bhattarai, 2020 ). The similar study has been carried out by Enemor and Okaka, 2013 , in which they found the beneficial effects of ethanolic extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius root on Na and K in rats.…”

Effects of single oral dose of ethanol extract of root of Sarcocephalus latifolius (African peach) on liver function markers in wistar albino rats

“…This study was designed to determine the possible development of toxicity due to a single (orally administered) dose of the ethanol root extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius in apparently healthy (non-induced) wistar albino rats by monitoring the serum status of liver enzymes, bilirubin, cholesterol and triglyceride, which often are common indices for estimating the margin of safety in the use of herbal remedies. Studies are a follow up on our earlier findings (Enemor et al, 2013.…”

“…This is important in order to establish a margin of safety in the use of the plant and its products. Some analyses had earlier been conducted in line with this objective, including effects on serum electrolytes (Enemor and Okaka, 2013), sub-acute effects on kidney function markers , subacute effects on liver function markers . In this study we evaluate the possible effect of a relatively single high dose of the root extract for any sudden development of toxicity or a progressive development over a few days following the administration.…”

Effect of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.) Seed Oil on Liver and Kidney Biomakers of Albino Rat

“…Potassium ion is a cation of the intracellular fluid which plays a vital role in muscle contraction [28]. It is normally excreted by the kidneys, so disorders that impair kidney function can lead to hyperkalaemia [29]. The most common cause of high potassium is kidney disease.…”

“…The effect of BASO even at higher doses investigated on the renal function biomarkers suggests that the normal functionality of the nephrons at the tubular and glomerular levels were not altered. Bicarbonate buffer system is the most important amongst blood buffers when the pH of the blood is considered [33]. Chloride ion is a major extra cellular anion.…”