NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF Alstonia boonei AGAINST ASPIRIN-INDUCED RENAL ALTERATIONS IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and are vulnerable to pharmacological stress. Aspirin is widely used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties; however, concerns regarding its renal safety persist Alstonia boonei is a medicinal plant reported to possess antioxidant and organ-supportive properties. This study evaluated the renal safety and supportive effects of A. boonei during aspirin administration in albino rats. Thirty rats were randomly assigned to six groups: control, aspirin only (10 mg/kg), A. boonei only (1000 mg/kg), and aspirin combined with A. boonei (1000, 1500, or 2000 mg/kg) for 14 days. Body weight, kidney weight, renal biochemical markers, and kidney histology were assessed. All groups exhibited normal weight gain, indicating absence of overt systemic toxicity. Aspirin administration was associated with reduced kidney weights relative to controls, suggesting mild structural sensitivity, while extract-treated and co-treated groups showed partial preservation of kidney mass, particularly at moderate extract doses. Renal biochemical indices remained stable, with serum urea ranging from 25.00 ± 10.82 to 38.00 ± 11.02 mg/dL, creatinine from 0.83 ± 0.15 to 1.05 ± 0.15 mg/dL, sodium from 137.33 ± 0.88 to 140.33 ± 1.45 mmol/L, and potassium from 3.90 ± 0.10 to 4.07 ± 0.15 mmol/L across groups, showing no statistically significant differences. Histology showed preserved glomerular and tubular architecture across groups. Low dose aspirin did not cause overt renal toxicity, while A. boonei was renally safe. Co-administration, particularly at moderate doses, supported renal structural and biochemical stability during aspirin exposure.