title: The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) on gentamycin-induced renal damage.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite the acclaimed beneficial effects of Telfaria occidentalis (TO), it is yet to be established that its aqueous extract is safe in the condition of renal impairment. Thus, the study investigated the effects of TO aqueous leaves extract on gentamycin-induced renal damage.
  
  
  METHODS
  The animals were distributed into five groups. Group A (control) was placed on standard rat feed. Groups B and C received 500 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of TO and gentamicin for 21 days, respectively. Group D received 500 mg/kg of TO 14 days before 7 days administration of 80 mg/kg of gentamycin. Group E received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin for 14 days before 7 days administration of 500 mg/kg TO. Group F received 500 mg/kg of TO and 80mg/kg of gentamycin concurrently for 21 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were analysed by standard methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The administration of TO for 7 days after 14 days of gentamycin injection and its concomitant administration with gentamicin for 21 days caused significant reduction (p<0.05) on the relative kidney weight, creatinine and uric acid levels compared to groups C and D. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the mean serum potassium level in group C compared to groups A, B, D, and F. The histological reports showed that the combination of the extract and gentamycin (group F) seems to ameliorate the deleterious effect observed when gentamycin was administered alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The administration of the extract together with and after the administration of gentamycin reverses renal damage caused by gentamycin.
authors.forename: Stephen O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Maduka
authors.forename: Chidiebere E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Ugwu
authors.forename: Oluchi J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Onwudinjo
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D019662:Cucurbitaceae; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005839:Gentamicins; D010936:Plant Extracts