Dose-Dependent Effect Of Bryophyllum pinnatum Crude Extract On Lipid Profile, Hepatic And Renal Biomarkers In Wistar Rats
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Abstract
Bryophyllum pinnatum (B.pinnatum), is a medicinal plant extensively used in Nigerian traditional medicine and other parts of the world for the management of various ailments. In many homes, the succulent leaves are squeezed without extraction solvents and juice administered orally. Biochemical safety of this traditional mode of administration remains poorly documented. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of this leaf juice and evaluated its short-term effects on serum lipid profile, hepatic and renal function biomarkers in Wistar rats. Fresh B. pinnatum leaves were homogenized without extraction solvents and standard methods used to quantify flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, phlobatannins, tannins and steroids. Using twenty Wistar rats (five per group); Control received 1mL distilled water and other groups respectively, one teaspoon of juice (702.5 mg/kg) body weight, two teaspoons (1405 mg/kg) and three teaspoons (2107.5 mg/kg) daily for eight consecutive days. Serum lipid profile, liver function indices and kidney function biomarkers were determined using standard methods. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins and phlobatannins. Results at all tested doses produced no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG, AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, protein, urea, uric acid or creatinine compared with the control group. These findings indicate no adverse effect on hepatic/renal function or lipid metabolism following short-term exposure supporting a biochemical safety of this ethnomedicinal practice at these tested doses. Long-term toxicity studies, histopathological evaluations and mechanistic investigations are warranted to establish the chronic safety profile and therapeutic potential.
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