Ameliorative Efficacy of Ethanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa (turmeric) Roots and Cassia occidentalis Leaves on Potassium Induced Kidney Damage in Albino Rats

The emphasis of harmful health challenges caused by preserved food or processed food is a global problem and the need to reduce its effect on the vital organs in the body has been the subject of great concern to researchers. The present study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts of Curcuma longa (turmeric) roots and Cassia occidentalis leaves on potassium induced kidney damage in albino rats. Fifty adult male rats weighing about 100g-200g classified into ten groups (I-X) were used in the study. Group1 served as control and were administered only with distilled water and rat feeds ad libitum all throughout the experiment. Group II served as negative (-ve) control and were administered 50mg/kg bodyweight of potassium bromate orally. Groups III, IV, VII and VIII received 50mg/kg bodyweight of potassium bromate for two weeks thereafter received 50mg/kg bodyweight with 500mg and 1000mg/kg body weight of ethanolic root extract of Curcuma longa and leaves extract Cassia occidentalis respectively for two weeks. Groups V, VI, and IX and X received 500mg and 1000mg/kg bodyweight of ethanolic root extract of Curcuma longa and leaves extract Cassia occidentalis for two weeks thereafter received 50mg/kg bodyweight of potassium bromate withethanolic root extract of Curcuma longa and leaves extract Cassia occidentalis respectively for two weeks. The rats at the end of 28 days were anaesthetised, blood samples were collected and the kidneys were harvested. The result of biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in the level of biochemical parameters following administration of 500mg/ kg and 1000mg/kg body weight of Curcuma longa and Cassia occidentalis ethanolic leaf extract for curative and protective purpose when compared with group II (+ve control) that received 50mg/kg body weight of potassium bromate. Histological findings revealed restoration and protection of the extracts on the kidney architecture of male albino rats. Results obtained thus showed that oral administration of ethanolic root extracts of Curcuma longa and leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis may possess preventive and therapeutic purpose against kidney damage