2019, Vol. 7, Issue 6, Part C

Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective property of cornhusk extract against gentimicin-induced kidney injuries to ascertain the folkloric claim of its usefulness in the treatment of poisoning.

Methods: The husk extract of Zea mays (187-748 mg/kg) was investigated for nephroprotective potential against against gentimicin-induced kidney injuries in rats. Assays of kidney function parameters as well as histopathological study of the kidney were used to assess nephroprotective activity of husk extract.

Results: Administration of the husk extract (187-748 mg/kg) caused significant (p< 0.05) reduction of high levels of serum creatinine, urea and electrolytes concentrations (K⁺, Na⁺, Cl^- and HCO^-₃) caused by the toxicants. The effects were dose-dependent in most cases. Histology of the kidney sections of extract and silymarin-treated animals showed reductions in the pathological features compared to the organotoxic-treated animals. The chemical pathological changes were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked nephroprotective potentials.

Conclusion: The results showed that husk extract of Zea mays has nephroprotective potential against injurious agents which may be due to the activities of its phytochemical components.