Abstract:
Orijin bitters, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale roscoe have been
reported to possess various medicinal properties. The aim of the study is to
evaluate their effects on the kidney of adult wistar rats. Methodology: thirty
rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, each having 5 rats. Group 1 received
distilled water, group 2, 70cl/70kg/bw orijin bitters, group 3, orijin bitters and
200mg/kg/bw Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract, group 4, orijin bitters
and 500mg/kg/bw Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract, group 5, orijin bitters and 200mg/kg/bw officinale rhizome aqueous extract, group 6, orijin
bitters and 500mg/kg/bw Zingiber officinale rhizome aqueous extract over a 21-
day period. After administration, the rats were sacrificed and the kidney harvested
for biochemical and histological analysis. Results: Orijin bitters altered renal
function, indicated by elevated level of malondialdehyde and decreased level
of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione, along with histopathological
changes such as glomerular atrophy and tubular degeneration compared to the
control. The result was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, aqueous
extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx and Zingiber officinale rhizome exhibited
antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and mitigating renal damage
compared to the orijin bitters group only. Although the result was not statistically
significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Orijin bitters may have nephrotoxic effects,
while Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale may offer protective benefits,
due to their antioxidant properties.
