Acute toxicity and effects of of Solanum macrocarpon leaf on Phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia, blood glucose and Nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats

Background: A variety of toxic effects of the hydrazines have been described, including autoimmune disturbances in humans, human leukemogenesis, alterations in the liver, kidney, central nervous system. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether Solanum macrocarpon aqueous leaf extract protect against Phenylhydrazine-induced hemato-toxicity and nephrotoxicity in anaemic male wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats (180-200g) divided into five groups of six rats each were used for the study: Group 1 served as normal control and received normal saline orally once daily. Group II served as anaemic control while Group III received only 300mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of Solanum macrocarpon orally once daily for 14 days. Group IV rats were induced with anaemia and thereafter treated with 300mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of Solanum macrocarpon orally once daily for 14 days while Group V were induced with anaemia and thereafter treated with 100mg/kg Ascorbic acid orally once daily for 14 days. Group II, IV and V were intraperitoneally induced haemolytic anaemia with 50mg/kg Phenylhydrazine for three consecutive days. All rats were sacrificed 24 hr after last extract treatment. Results: Acute toxicity study showed LD50 to be above 5000mg/kg as there was neither mortality nor toxicity observed up to the last dose of 5000mg/kg. Electrolyte concentration showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sodium ion and an increase in potassium ion concentration in Phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic rats which were however improved towards normalcy by Solanum macrocarpon leaf extract. Solanum macrocarpon significantly enhanced (p<0.05) Red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin and platelet count; significantly decreased (p< 0.05) levels of creatinine and urea as well as maintained blood glucose levels corroborated by histopathological findings. Conclusion: This study established Solanum macrocarpon leaf potential in modulating Phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia, electrolyte balance and nephrotoxicity in wistar rats.