Toxic Effects of Sub-Chronic Administration of Chloroform Extract of Artemisia maciverae Linn on the Kidney of Swiss Albino Rats

The nephrotoxic potential of sub-chronic doses of chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae Linn was studied in male Swiss albino rats. The groups were respectively administered chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt for 60 days and then monitored till day 90 before sacrifice. Sera samples were analyzed for urea and creatinine. The kidneys were subjected to histological examination after staining with hematoxyline-eosin. At the onset of treatment, the extract caused statically significant (p<0.05) elevation in serum urea and creatinine. The mean (+SD) levels of serum urea at the onset of treatment with 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract were 29.6+ 1.10, 54.1+4.40, 81.6+8.50 and 132.1+6.10mg/dL respectively, while that of serum creatinine were 0.5+0.10, 0.8+0.10, 1.2+0.10 and 1.3+0.30mg/dL respectively. The elevations in serum urea levels returned to normal after the onset of treatment, but that of creatinine persisted. Thirty days after withdrawal of treatment, the levels of serum urea in the 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg treatment groups were found to be 30.1+2.00, 32.1+ 2.00 and 33.3+1.30mg/dL respectively, while that of serum creatinine were found to be
0.6+0.10, 1.2+0.10 and 1.2+0.10mg/dL respectively. Microscopically, tubular epithelial necrosis was observed in the treated animals in the early stages, but the renal injuries disappeared at the later stage. These results suggest that chloroform extract of Artemisia maciverae may be nephrotoxic at high doses.