Abstract
1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a potent carcinogen that induces toxicity in experimental models, particularly affecting kidney function, histopathology, and lipid profile. Ficus exasperata, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has been traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Ficus exasperata against DMH-induced toxicity in rats, focusing on kidney function test parameters, histopathological alterations, and lipid profile. The Wistar rats were divided into various groups: group 1: control group, group 2: treated with leaf extract only, group 3: treated with stem bark only, group 4: taking DMH only, group 5: taking DMH and leaf extract only, group 6: taking DMH and stem bark, group 7: taking DMH with both leaf extract and stem bark extract. DMH was administered subcutaneously to induce toxicity, while ficus exasperata extract was orally administered. Kidney function test including: Blood Urea Nitrogen, Urea, Creatinine, and also Electrolytes like: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride was assessed using standard biochemical methods. Histopathological evaluation of kidney tissues was conducted to observe structural changes, while lipid profile test such as: Total cholesterol, and Triglycerides were measured. The Urea, Creatinine, Blood urea nitrogen, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Triglycerides, Total cholesterol assays were carried out on the kidney to check the effects of Ficus exasperata against DMH-induced toxicity in rats. The urea assay, group 6 had the highest activity though statistically not different from other groups, the creatinine assay, blood urea nitrogen, chloride, triglycerides assay, there is no significance difference among various groups, the sodium assay, group 7 had the lowest activity and it was significantly different from group 1-5, the potassium assay, there is a significance difference between group 1 and 7 also between group 2 and 7, the total cholesterol assay, there is significance difference among various groups. Ficus exasperata demonstrates protective effects against DMH induced toxicity in rats, highlighting its potential in combating renal dysfunction.
