ABSTRACT

Emilia sonchifolia is a bushy annual herb distributed mainly in Asian countries. It has been traditionally used as important medicinal plant in most tropical and subtropical countries. Ernilia sonchfolia has also been reported to possess anti-fever activity, anti-microbial activity, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, anti-cancer activity, antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic, anti- cataract and anticonvulsant activity. This study was designed to investigate the effect of n- hexane extract of the leaves of Emilia sonchifolia on some kidney function indices of male wistar albino rats. 28 male wistar albino rats were divided into Group 1 (control) given feed and water ad libitum, Group 2 was orally given 250mg/kg body weight of Emilia sonchifolia, Group 3 was intraperitoneally administered 2.5mg/kg body weight of sodium arsenite daily, Group 4 was administered 2.3mg/kg body weight of sodium arsenite and 250mg/kg body weight of Emilia sonchifolia leaf extract daily. The result showed a significant increase in uric acid concentration in Group 3 Na2AsO3) when compared to the normal control while Group 4 (ESE+Na2AsO3) had no significant difference with Group 3. The concentration of serum urea elevated significantly (p<O.OS) in Group 3 when compared with the normal control. Group 4 showed significant decrease (p<O.OS) when compared to Group 3. Also, the concentration of serum creatinine elevated significantly (p<O.OS) in Group 3 (Na2AsO3) when compared to the normal control but Group 4 (ESE+Na2AsO3) had no significant difference when compared to Group 3 Na2AsO3). For the electrolytes, the concentration of sodium ion showed no significant difference in Group 3 when compared to the normal control. A significant decrease (p<O.05) was observed in Group 4 when compared to Group 3. The concentration of potassium ion showed a significant decrease (p<O.05) in Group 3 when compared to Group 1 and no significant difference in Group 4 when compared to Group 3. The concentration of chloride ion showed a significant increase (p<O.OS) in Group 3 when compared to Group 1 but showed no significant difference in Group 4 when compared to Group 3. Thus, n-hexane extract of Emilia sonchfolia can be effectively used as the therapeutic drug for the management of sodium arsenite toxicity.