Hepatorenal modulatory effects of Ricinus Communis fractions in acetaminophen-induced Hepatic-nephrotoxicity in Murine model

Purpose: There is an increase in the incidence of hepatic-nephrotoxicity following the abuse (overdose) of acetaminophen/paracetamol (PCM) also known as N-Acetyl-p-Aminophenol (APAP) that is one of the most common over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medications that are widely patronized. Alternative agents from medicinal plants have been traditionally used in the treatment of drug or toxin-induced liver and kidney damage. The present study evaluated the hepatic-nephroprotective effects of Ricinus communis in APAP-induced toxicity in a murine model. Methods: A total of thirty (30) Wistar rats were assigned into six (6) groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as untreated normal control, group 2 served as untreated APAP-induced (negative) control receiving the vehicle for 14 days and APAP (2g/kg) on the 15th day. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received n-hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions (100mg/kg each) of R. communis. Group 6 received silymarin (100mg/kg). Animals in groups 2 to 6 received the various treatments for 14 days, prior to the induction of toxicity with APAP on the 15th day. Seventy-two hours after APAP administration, blood was collected from anaesthetised rats for serum biochemical assays of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and renal function markers (BUN and creatinine). Results: Ricinus communis fractions protected the liver and kidney from APAP-induced damage. This reflected as significantly (P<0.05) decreased levels of BUN and creatinine following treatments with n-hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of Ricinus communis. Also observed are decreased liver enzymes levels in all the groups administered the fractions. The n-hexane fraction showed the highest activity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that fractions of Ricinus communis possess hepatic-nephroprotective activity against APAP–induced damage and could, therefore, be a prospective herbal remedy in the treatment of poisoning due to APAP overdose. Keywords: Hepatic-nephrotoxicity; Ricinus communis; Acetaminophen; over-the-counter; murine mode