Author(s): Ehimigbai, Agbonluai Richard O.*, Anunobi, Arinze Albert
The ameliorative potential of Cocos nucifera water in gentamycin induced kidney toxicity was evaluated using adult wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) adult wistar rats weighing between 190g to 240g were assigned to 4 groups of 6 rats each and the gentamycin were administered intraperitoneally while the Cocos nucifera water was given via orogastric tube for 24 consecutive days. Group A rats representing the control were fed normal diet and water ad libitums; while Group B were treated with 1ml of Cocos nucifera water only, Group C were treated with 100mg / kg gentamycin only, and Group D were treated with 1ml Cocos nucifera water and 100 mg / kg gentamycin respectively. Biochemically, the result showed that Oral administration of 100mg / kg gentamycin revealed marked kidney toxicity as showed by elevation in the activity of the serum urea, creatinine, superoxide dismutase and catalase along with decreased level of malonyl dehydrogenase. The control group, the Cocos nucifera water only group and the co- administered group of both Cocos nucifera water and gentamycin showed normal biochemical value of serum urea, creatinine, superioxide dismutase catalase and malonyl dehydrogenase. Histologically, the gentamycin only group showed focal areas of tubular epithelial cloudy swelling and mild interstitial congestion. While the co- administered group of both Cocos nucifera water and gentamycin showed normal cytoachictectural structure of the kidney. In conclusion, these results as evidenced by histological and biochemical parameters suggested that Cocos nucifera water possessed ameliorative potential on gentamycin induced kidney toxicity