Toxicological and Biochemical Assessment of Aqueous Chromolaena odorata (Siam Weed) Extract on Hepatorenal Function in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the hepatorenal function of the aqueous extract of Chromolaena odorata in male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: The study employed a control experimental design with 29 healthy male Wistar rats weighing 120±20 g. After one week of acclimatization, the test groups were given aqueous extract of Chromolaena odorata leaf in addition to a normal diet for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed via heart puncture, and the blood was collected into a plain bottle for biochemical analysis. Urea was estimated by Berthelot's method, while creatinine was estimated by Jaffe's reaction method. Liver enzyme activities were assessed using the colorimetric method, while the Jendrassik-Groff, Bromocresol Green, and Biuret methods were used to measure bilirubin, albumin, and total protein, respectively.

Results: The biochemical results showed significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of total protein and albumin and increased levels of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and liver enzyme activities with an increase in concentrations of the aqueous extract of Chromolaena odorata.

Conclusion: This study showed that the aqueous extract of Chromolaena odorata significantly alters the renal and hepatic profiles, suggesting that it may have adverse effects on kidney and liver function, especially at higher concentrations. Thus, the toxicological effect of the extract is dose-dependent