Comparative effect of Nifedipine and Garlic (Allium sativum) on Renal toxicity induced by Hypertension in Wistar rats

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Abstract

Introduction

Research has shown that hypertension has lingering effect on several organs and the body in general. One of the most affected organs is a vital organ, the kidney. The aim of this study is to observe the effect of hypertension on the kidney and compare the therapeutic potential of Garlic and Nifedipine on the cyto-architecture and clearance rate of the kidney.

Methods

Twenty (20) male wistar rats weighing between 150-180 g were assigned into four groups (A,B,C,D) with each group comprising of five rats. Group A was designed as a control group which received 0.2 ml of normal saline. Group B received 3 mg/kg body weight of NaCl only, Group C received 3 mg/kg of NaCl and 3mg/kg of Nifedipine while Group D received 3 mg/kg of NaCl and 50mg/kg of Garlic for 28 days.

Results

Administration of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) only in group B treated rats showed significant increase in Concentration of Troponin-T and degeneration of cardiac cells. These effects were lessened in groups C and D treated with NaCl co-administered with Nifedipine and NaCl co-administered with Garlic respectively. Renal-toxicity was observed in group B with significant increase in the concentration of Urea and Creatinine when compared with control and Group D rats. Histologically, Control and Group D rats showed normal glomeruli with normal  mesangial cells, the renal tubules appeared normal with no signs of dilatations and the interstitial spaces appeared normal and cleared.

Conclusion

This study revealed that hypertension induced by NaCl caused reduced efficiency in kidney function (renal dysfunction) in Wistar rats and Garlic was effective in attenuating the effect of the hypertension on the kidney better than the administration of antihypertensive drug (Nipedipine).