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

ABSTRACT

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