Phytomedicine Plus (Nov 2021)
Biochemical and histological investigation on the protective effect of poly-herbal extract in high salt diet-fed male Wistar rats
Abstract
Background: Through different mechanisms, excessive intake of dietary salt has been documented as a risk factor for the development of elevated blood pressure and organ dysfunction. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of combined extracts of four medicinal plants against high salt diet-induced succinate dehydrogenase depletion and alteration in vital organ (kidney, liver, and cardiac) hemostasis. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats with an average weight of 130 g were divided into 5 groups of 7 animals each. Group 1 and 2 rats were fed with normal rat chow (NRC) and 16% high salt diet (HSD) only respectively. Rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 were fed with 16% HSD and 800, 400, and 200 mg/kg poly-herbal extract (PHE), respectively, once daily for 4 weeks. The concentration and activities of creatinine, urea, sodium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, albumin, globulin, total protein, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) were estimated in the serum. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were estimated in the serum, liver, and aorta. The result revealed that the combined extract significantly (p < 0.05) lowered HSD-induced elevated serum concentration of kidney function markers and electrolytes. More so, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum and tissue activities of liver and cardiac function markers was demonstrated by the poly-herbal extract. No significant changes were observed in serum albumin and globulin level, however total protein and tissue activities of SDH were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated by the PHE. The histopathological examination showed to a large extent, the extract conferred significant protection on the cytoarchitecture of the kidney, liver, and aorta. Conclusion: Conclusively, combined plants extract protected against high salt diet-induced biochemical and histological derangement in male Wistar rats.
