Histopathological Evaluation of the Methanol Extract of Napoleonae imperialis Leaves against Methotrexate-Induced Renal Damage in Albino Rats

Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of methanol extract of Napoleonae imperialis leaves against methotrexate renal histology in albino rats.

Methodology: Thirty (30) male albino rats of mean weight 130 g were used for this study. The animals for the study were grouped into five (5) of six (6) rats each. Group A received feed and water only and Group B was induced with methotrexate without treatment. Groups (C and D) were orally given 250 mg and 500 mg/kg b.wt of leaves extract, and group E was orally given the extract only (500 mg/kg b.wt) respectively for 28 days. All the rats used in this study were initially subjected to renal damage using 0.5 ml/kg of methotrexate except the normal control group. The rats were sacrificed after 28 days, and the kidney were carefully dissected from the abdominal region. They were fixed in normal saline for 72 hours and sliced into a thickness of 2.1mm samples of and processed for histopathological examination.

Results: The photomicrographs result showed that in group A, (normal control group) evenly distributed glomeruli of smaller size, with normal mesangial cellularity. In group B, (positive control group) there is a significant pathology and mild interstitial inflammation. In groups (C and D) (tests group that received 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt of the extract) there is no significant pathology, in group E, there is no significant pathology.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the leaves extract may have exerted nephroprotective effects in albino rats, and may also be used pharmacologically in the management of organ toxicity.