ABSTRACT
Azanza garckeana, commonly known as "African snot apple," has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including the treatment of liver and kidney disorders. However, limited scientific evidence exists regarding its effects on liver and kidney functions. In this experimental study, a total of 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into experimental groups (A, B, C) and control groups. The experimental groups were orally administered with 50mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 2000mg/kg of the aqueous-methanol extract of Azanza garckeana root, while the control groups received distilled water. The pulverized root weighing 3500g was soaked for 72 hours in a mixture of 80% methanol and 20% water (v/v) and stirred every day. A Muslim cloth was used to filter the mixture. The filtrate was condensed using a rotary evaporator set at 60°C and then freeze dried to remove the moisture, 10g of Aqueous methanol Root Extract was then weighed and dissolved in 100ml of distilled water and then orally administered using a gavage. The administration was carried out daily for a period of 2 weeks. Liver and kidney functions were assessed using standard biochemical assays to measure parameters such as serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Preliminary results indicated that administration of the aqueous-methanol extract of Azanza garckeana root resulted in dose-dependent alterations in liver and kidney function parameters. Specifically, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine in rats treated with the extract compared to control groups. For Group B results showed significantly higher AST levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05) with a mean level of 112.67±58.05 U/L, displayed significantly elevated ALT levels (77.67±26.74 U/L) compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and had a mean urea level of 36.33±1.45 mg/dl.These findings suggest a Positive hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of the aqueous-methanol extract of Azanza garckeana root in Wistar albino rats. While the administration of the extract resulted in alterations in various biochemical parameters, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and assess the clinical significance of these findings.
