Evidence-based hepatic and renal toxicity evaluation of Prunus armeniaca L. seeds in albino Wistar rats

Abstract

The present study is a novel approach conducted to investigate dose dependent hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity of aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca L. seeds in Albino rats. The use of the seeds is limited since the seeds have been subject of high controversy because of the presence of amygdalin, (Vitamin B-17) which in some studies revealed toxicity while in others incurred anti-cancerous ability and also scarce availability of toxicity evaluation studies which stimulates the need to expedite this study which would allow utilization of seeds in the pursuit of formulating novel remedies. 1000, 1500 and 2000mg/kg body weight of extract orally administered in experimental Groups DI, DII and DIII of rats (n=6) respectively for 42 days. Blood and tissue samples collected were then evaluated using liver enzymes; Aspartate Transaminase, Alanine Transferase, Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin as hepatotoxic markers, Urea, creatinine and BUN as renal function indicators, antioxidants levels of liver and kidney; Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione reductase as oxidative stress markers and Melondylaldehyde as indicator of lipid peroxidation. The results displayed no significant increment (P>0.05) in liver enzymes, reduced liver and kidney MDA levels (P>0.05) and dose-dependent increased activity of antioxidants. This concludes that the extract did not show any remarkable hepatotoxicity or renal toxicity rather improved antioxidant activity. The histology of liver and kidney tissues further supported that the selected doses are safe for consumption.