Hepatorenal function of Wistar rats treated with Alamo and Jekomo, an alcoholic herbal bitters in Nigeria

Increased demand for herbal remedies and natural quest for alcohol consumption has positioned alcoholic herbal bitters an acclaimed blood detoxifying and liver cleansing potential as an ideal drink without scientific validation. This study assessed the hepatorenal effect of Alomo and Jekomo, commonly consumed alcoholic bitters in male Wistar rat. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 110 to 130 g were divided into six groups of five animals each and treated with distilled water, ethanol, Alomo and Jekomo Alcoholic Bitters at 2.68 mL/kg body weight respectively for 28 days. The serum and kidney homogenate were used to determine biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea and bilirubin following standard methods. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum and kidney levels of total protein and albumin in alcohol treated groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum creatinine levels of ethanol and kidney homogenate of Jekomo bitters treated group when compared with control. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum and kidney urea and bilirubin concentration was also observed in all alcohol treated groups when compared with control. A combined elevation in urea and creatinine and bilirubin suggest a moderate to severe form of kidney and liver damage induced by the alcoholic herbal bitters. As essential markers of kidney function, the recorded elevation of urea and creatinine shows a potential exposure to renal dysfunction. Prolonged and increased consumption of these alcoholic herbal bitters should be discouraged to prevent hepatocellular injury or damage.