Effects Of Catha edulis’ Leaf Extract on Blood Chemistry and Kidney Tissues in Small East African Male Goats from Rift Valley Province of Kenya
Publication Date
2014Author
DM Mwaniki, KJ Lagat, W Oyieko, M Ndiema, LK Chemwolo, MJ Nyariki, WO Opiyo, MG Ng'wena
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Show full item recordAbstract/ Overview
Objectives: To determine the serum electrolytes levels in animals treated with Catha
edulis leaf extract.
Design: Experimental study
Setting: Department of Biological Sciences at the Chepkoilel University College, Moi
University
Subjects: Fourteen (14) reproductively mature and healthy small East African male
goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) from Kerio Valley in Rift Valley province of Kenya.
Intervention: Plasma electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl-
), urea, creatine and glucose levels
were investigated in eight control and fourteen experimental small East African male
goats before and after treatment with Catha edulis leaf extracts. At the end of the study
the animals’ were sacrificed and their kidneys extracted for histological examination.
Results: mean sodium and calcium levels were lower in treated animals than nontreated animals (138 v/s 143.6 mmol/L and 3.3 v/s 2.2 mmol/L respectively), p<0.001
Plasma glucose levels also declined from 4.0-4.1mmol/L to 3.3-3.5mmol/L following
the Catha edulis leaf extract treatment. However serum nitrogenous metabolites levels
increased significantly in Catha edulis treated animals (urea; 6.5 v/s 5.2 mmol/L and
creatine; 69.9 v/s 55.4 mmol/L). Histological examination of renal tissue of Catha edulis
treated animals revealed degenerative changes and hypercellularity in the glomeruli
as well as interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. Nuclei of proximal convoluted
tubule cells also appeared pyknotic while those of the macula densa appeared granular.
Conclusion: The present study showed that Catha edulis treatment was associated
with electrolyte imbalance which may have been as a result of degenerative changes
in the renal system. The findings are a pointer to the fact that Catha edulis use may
predispose the users to renal disorders and subsequent electrolyte imbalance