Chemistry Research and Practice
ISSN: 3065-906X | DOI: 10.64030/3065-906X
Muhammed Hussein, Okorie Claribel, Mahmud Lawal, Bashir Musa Abubakar, Hussaini Ahmed, Faridah Mobolanle Banwo, Mutairu Iluore Aishat, Aliu Moshood Munayah, Idakwoji Precious Adejoh
Lead, a toxic heavy metal, induces several health complications through oxidative stress. Tephrosia bracteolata a traditional medicinal plant used in the treatment of various diseases reportedly exhibits potent antioxidant activity. This study investigated the protective effects of flavonoid rich extract of T. bracteolata (FRETB) on the renal function in rats exposed to lead acetate poisoning. Twenty male Wistar rats were distributed into five groups with four animals each. Group 1 served as normal control and were administered 5 ml/kg of distilled water. Reproductive toxicity was induced intraperitoneal by administration of Lead acetate-PbA (50 mg/kg) in groups 2 to 5 and treated as follows. Group 2 (PbA only), Group 3 (PbA+5 mg/kg FRETB), Group 4 (PbA+10 mg/kg FRETB) and Group 5 (PbA+50 mg/kg Ascorbic acid) (standard control). PbA was administered once per week while FRETB and Ascorbic acid were administered daily throughout the duration (28 days) of the study. The protective effects of FRETB on the kidney were investigated by evaluating the serum electrolyte levels, urea and creatinine concentration as well as histological studies on the kidney tissues. Induction of lead acetate showed significant (p<0.05) increase in serum electrolyte levels, urea, creatinine, and histological signs of kidney congestion. However, FRETB at 10 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the harmful effects of lead administration on serum electrolyte levels, urea and creatinine. This finding suggests that the flavonoid-rich extract of Tephrosia bracteolata leaves may hold therapeutic potential in mitigating leadinduced nephrotoxicity.