Effect of geranium [P-elargonium graveolens] leaf extract on hepatic and renal functions in mice

Pelargonium graveolens L'Herit is a perennial herb used for many medicinal treatments as staunch bleeding, heal wounds and antibacterial properties. Its common English name is geranium. In this study we follow up the effect of a high dose of this plant extract on two vital organs [liver and kidney] following treated and recovery period. Animals were divided into two major groups, a control and an experimental group. Animals of the experimental group received geranium extract orally day by day in a dose of 869 Amg/ kg/ day for 20 days. Animals were sacrificed after treated [20 days] and recovery periods [10 and 20 days]. Blood samples were collected for hematological tests and biochemical analysis. Liver and kidney specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological and histochemical study. AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, urea, createnine, total lipid and cholesterol were significantly increased after treated and recovery period of 10 days. However, glucose level, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly decreased in animals after treated period. Histological changes in treated sections of the liver showed evidence of degeneration, necrosis and mononuclear cellular infiltration and in kidney sections, tubular degeneration and glomerular atrophy were observed. Degenerative changes in both proximal [WBCs casts] and medullary tubules [hyaline casts] were also observed at recovery periods. Masson's trichrome stained sections in liver showed increased collagen fibers around congested central veins, blood sinusoids and portal areas. While in kidney sections, the extract could not induce any change in the collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Some parameters of the previous physiological and histological changes which were observed after treatment disappeared after a recovery period of 20 days. Histochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in PAS positive material in liver aft the recovery periods. However DNA content showed non-significant difference in all the experimental periods. The over dose of geranium extract caused liver and kidney damage. So, it is well recommended to use this plant at a suitable dose for clinical therapy and if it is used for long time, kidney and liver functions must be tested periodically

Effect of alocasia macrorrhiza extract on hepatorenal functions in mice

Alocasia macrorrhiza [L] Schott and Endl is an ornamental perennial herbaceous plant which grows in coastal wetlands and valleys. Its common English name is Giant Elephant's Ear. The study planned to follow up the effect of the plant extract of Alocasia macrorrhiza on hepatorenal functions in mice following treated and recovery periods. Animals were divided into two major groups, a control and an experimental group. Animals of the experimental group received Alocasia extract orally day by day in a dose of 144.6mg / kg /day for 20 days. Animals were sacrificed after treated and recovery periods of 10 and 20 days respectively, blood samples were collected for hematological tests and biochemical analysis. Liver and kidney specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological and histochemical study. RBCs, Hb were significantly decreased after treated period. Total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly decreased, while, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine, total lipid and cholesterol were significantly increased after treated and recovery period of 10 days. Histological changes in treated sections of the liver showed evidence of cellular degeneration and necrosis and in Kidney sections, tubular necrosis, glomerular shrinkage and atrophied glomerular tuft of capillaries were prominent. Mallory stained sections in liver showed increased collagen fibers around congested central veins, blood sinusoids and portal areas. While in kidney sections, the extract could not induce any change in the collagen fibers in the connective tissue. The changes which were observed after treatment disappeared after a recovery period of 20 days. However, the vascular congestion persisted. Histochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in PAS positive material in kidney after treated and a recovery period of 10 days. However DNA content showed non significant difference in all the experimental periods. The high LD[50] of the reversible action of the plant need more studies in different suitable doses before recommendation to use it safety as medicinal plant