Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Costus afer and Vit. C Supplement on Renal Damage in Male Mice Subjected to Sub-chronic Exposure of Dichlorvos

Aim: To evaluate effects of aqueous extracts of Costus afer and Vit. C supplement on renal damage in male mice subjected to sub-chronic exposure of dichlorvos.

Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. The experiment lasted for 35 days between April and June 2023.

Methodology: A total of 30 male mice were randomly selected into 6 groups (n=5). Group A was the control, B received Dichlorvos@25mg/kg/bw/day, C & D received 100% vitamin C and Costus afer at 250mg/kg/bw/day only. Groups E & F were coadministered Dichlorvos with Vitamin C and 100% extract of Costusaferat 250mg/kg/bw/day respectively. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected for analysis. Total protein was analyzed using the spectrophotometric method of biuret, Bradford and erythrosine – b, albumin was estimated, creatinine and urea was done using enzymatic method.Histological sections of the kidney were mounted on slides, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Photomicrographs were generated.

Results: All kidney biomarkers examined increased significantly (p=0.05) in group B administered Dichlorvos only but decreased in groups administered the vit C and Costusafer respectively. Histopathological analysis of the kidney shows the regular structure of the kidney architecture in group A. Glomeruli shrinkage, necrosis and degeneration of nephrons were observed in group B, while less pronounced changes were observed in groups C-F co-administered with Vit C and Costus afer. However, group E shows fully regenerated nephrons while few depleted nephronic cells were still observed in group F despite coadministration of Costus afer.

Conclusion: Based on the results, Vit C supplement shows more potent, therapeutic properties against kidney damage in male mice subjected to sub-chronic exposure of Dichlorvos compared toCostusafer.