The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

Aims: This study investigated the effects of long term consumption of A. vogeliana leaf on the liver health, kidney function, and lipid profile of female Wistar rats. This was with a view to assessing the safety and potential health effects of the plant extract.

Study Design: The study employed in vivo animal model in Wistar rats.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between June 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: Acute oral toxicity and LD50 were determined. Animals were randomized into three groups (n = 6) and treated as follows: Group 1 (normal control; distilled water), Group 2 (250 mg/kg), and Group 3 (500 mg/kg) for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and plasma was analyzed for liver-kidney biomarkers: aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Also, the lipid biomarkers (total cholesterol TC), triglyceride TG, high-density lipoprotein HDL, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol LDL), and atherogenic indices were determined.

Results: The result showed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg. A non-significant difference was observed in ALT activity, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and urea levels. Significant (p<0.05) elevations in AST and ALP, and a significant decrease in creatinine were observed in the treated group, suggesting detrimental effect on the kidney health. TC, TG, and LDL were significantly high, whereas HDL was significantly low in the treated group. Similarly, significant increases in non-HDL, atherogenic coefficient (Ac), coronary risk index-1 (CRI-1), and 2 (CRI-2), were observed in the treated groups, suggesting a likelihood for cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion: The study concluded that prolonged administration of A. vogeliana leaf impacted the kidneys and induced an elevated lipid profile and a sharp decrease in HDL. Therefore, prolonged use of A. vogeliana should be discouraged.