Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Traditional medicines or herbal medicines are plant based products that have been used for
centuries to treat and prevent diseases, improve health, and promote well-being. They can be taken
in variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, tinctures and extracts. Traditional medicines
are made from one or more herbs, and each herb may contain a variety of compounds that
Herbal medicines have been used in traditional systems all over the world and their popularity in
developed countries has increased significantly in recent years. This is due in part the growing
products.
Traditional medicines have been utilized for a thousand of years to support health and well-being.
More recently, there has been increased. Interest in exploring the potential benefits of traditional
medicine for modern health conditions. One important area that traditional medicine claim to
address is male fertility and factors that influences a man’s ability to conceive.
Male factor infertility accounts for approximately 40-50% of infertility cases (Agarwal et al.,
2015). while lifestyle and environmental exposure are thought to contribute to declining sperm
quality and quantity in many countries (Levine et al., 2017), few conventional medical treatments
effectively improve male fertility (showell & Brown, 2018). traditional medicine system offers
centuries of clinical experience supporting male reproductive and sexual health through nutrition,
Nephrotoxicity occurs when kidney specific detoxification and excretion do not work properly due
to drugs often results in toxicity in kidney which represents the major control system maintaining
The kidney is an essential organ required by the body to perform several important functions
detoxification, and excretion of toxic metabolites and drugs (Ferguson et al., 2008). Therefore, the
kidney can be considered as a major target organ for exogenous toxicants. Nephrotoxicity is a
kidney-specific feature in which excretion does not go smoothly owing to toxic chemicals or
drugs (Galley, 2000; Finn and Porter, 2003). Approximately 20% of nephrotoxocity is induced by
drugs, but medication of the elderly increases the incidence of nephrotoxicity up to 66% as the
average life span increases. Chemotherapy or anticancer medicine has been of limited use due to
nephrotoxicity (Kohli et al., 2000; Naughton, 2008; Nagai and Takano, 2010).
There are two main kinds of kidney damage: acute kidney injuries (AKI) and chronic kidney
disease (CKD). AKI is a sudden and rapid decline in kidney functions. It can be caused by a
number of factors, including severe infections, blood loss, and dehydration. CKD is a long term
progressive condition in which the kidney gradually lose their functions over time. It is caused by
There are number of known risk factors for kidney damage, which includes (Levey et al., 2009):
age, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, obesity, smoking, family history of kidney
Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but it is also known to cause nephrotoxicity,
a serious side effect, that can lead to kidney damage(Penson et al., 2005; Pabla & Dong, 2008). the
cisplatin administration, as well as the patient’s underlying risk factors. However it is estimated
that up to 30% of patients will develop some degree of nephrotoxicity (Pabla & Dong, 2008).
Due to these side effects, It has become important to investigate some natural medicinal plant for
therapies that could be used to cure kidney with minimal side effects and one of such plant is
Solanum aethiopicum. this present study seeks to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of Solanum
3. Renal histology:
The proposed study which will investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Solanum
drug, but it is also known to cause nephrotoxicity which is a major dose-limiting side effect.
Nephrotoxicity is a complex that is not fully understood. The proposed research will investigate
the mechanism of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity using wistar rats as test subjects. This research
has the potential to advance our understanding of nephrotoxicity and identify new targets for
therapeutic intervention.
The study is limited to the histology of the kidney, the phytochemicals present in the plant and the
effect of the plant on kidney biomarkers (serum electrolyte, urea, creatinine) of cisplatin-induced
1.2.1 CISPLATIN
Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug that was first developed in the early 1970s. it is used to treat a
variety of cancers, particularly testicular cancer, increasing the cure from 10% to 85% (Einbom,
1990) others includes ovarian cancer and lung cancer. Cisplatin works by binding to DNA and
inhibiting DNA replication and transcription, causing cell death, while it is an effective treatment,
it can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, hearing loss, and peripheral
neuropathy.
Cisplatin is usually administered through intravenous infusion. The dose and schedule of treatment
can be varying from the patient’s condition and response to treatment. It is common to give
cisplatin in cycles, with a period of rest. During treatment, patient may need to take additional
medications to prevent side effects such as anti-nausea medication or medication to protect the
kidneys. Patient may also need to undergo regular monitoring such as blood tests, to check for
signs of toxicity.
Nephrotoxicity is the most common and serious side effect of cisplatin, occurring in 20-30% of
patients (Gullo, et al., 2020). this is caused by a numbers of factors which includes: direct damage
to the kidney cells (Miller, et al., 2010), increased free radical production (Sadzuka, 2009),
inflammation (Gullo, et al., 2020), vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) (Sadzuka, 2009)
Renal damage is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to function properly. This can be
caused by a variety of factors, including diseases, injury, and certain medications. Renal damage
can range from mild to severe, and it can be temporary or permanent (Sadzuka, 2009; Miller et al.,
common symptoms may include: decreased urine output, edema (swelling) in the legs and feet,
fatigue, nausea and vomitting, dark- coloured urine, flank pain, high blood pressure (Gullo, et al.,
2020)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD is a long term condition in which the kidney gradually
loose their ability to function. CKD can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, blood
High blood pressure: this is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls ia
too high. High blood pressure can damage the kidney over time (Gulo et al., 2020)
Diabetes: this is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use
insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to utilize glucose for energy. This
Glomerularnephritis: this is the inflammation of the glomeruli, which are tiny filtering units in
Other causes could include nephrotoxic medications(e.g cisplatin, ibuprofen), physical injury to
the kidneys, autoimmune diseases (e.g lupus), infections(e.g., pyelonephritis), and toxins (e.g
effective drug used to treat wide range of solid tumors, including testicular cancer, lung cancer,
ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer. However, cisplatin is also known to cause nephrotoxicity, or
kidney damage. The incidence of cisplatin nephrotoxicity varies from 20 to 70%, depending on the
dose and schedule of administration, as well as the patient's individual risk factors (e.g., age, pre-
including:
Direct tubular toxicity: Cisplatin can directly damage the kidney tubules, the structures
responsible for filtering waste products from the blood (Chabner & Longo, 2014).
interstitium, the tissue between the tubules (Devarajan & Parikh, 2009).
Vascular injury: Cisplatin can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to
ischemia (reduced blood flow) and hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels) (Galluzzi et al., 2018).
The severity of cisplatin nephrotoxicity can vary widely. In mild cases, patients may experience
only mild symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased urine output. In more severe cases,
patients may develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which can be life-threatening (Pabla & Dong,
2008).
Exposure of tubular cells to cisplatin activates complex signaling pathways that result in tubular
cell injury and cell death. A robust inflammatory response, as well as injury to the renal
vasculature, results in vasoconstriction, reduced blood flow, and ischemic injury. Collectively,
these changes lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) . It is important to note that for many
malignancies, cisplatin is used in combination with other drugs that may also be nephrotoxic.
Inside cells, the low chloride concentration facilitates CDDP hydrolysis with generation of charged
species. This hydrolysis product is believed to be the active species, reacting with glutathione in
the cytoplasm and DNA in the nucleus . In tumors and other dividing cells, cisplatin-DNA
intrastrand crosslinks result in cytotoxicity. These molecular events are thought to be responsible
for arresting cancer cell proliferation. More than 50 percent of the drug is excreted in the urine in
the first 24 hours following cisplatin administration, and the concentration of platinum achieved in
the kidney cortex is several fold greater than that in plasma and other organs. Cisplatin primarily
injures the S3 segment of the proximal tubule, causing a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate
(GFR).
Biochemical markers of renal damage are substances that can be measured in the blood or urine to
access kidney function and identify kidney damage. They can be used to diagnose kidney diseases,
monitor its progression and assess the response to treatment (KDIGO CKD Work Group, 2021)
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.
When the kidneys are damaged, creatinine levels in the blood rise. Therefore, serum creatinine is
the most commonly used biochemical marker of renal damage (Kidney Disease: Improving Global
Creatinine is a relatively inexpensive and readily available test, which makes it a practical
biomarker for use in clinical practice. However, it is important to note that creatinine is not a
perfect marker of renal damage. Creatinine levels can be affected by a number of factors, including
muscle mass, age, and diet. Additionally, creatinine levels may not rise until kidney damage is
already significant.
Despite its limitations, creatinine remains an important biomarker for renal damage. It is used to
diagnose kidney disease, monitor its progression, and assess the response to treatment.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered out of the
blood by the kidneys. When the kidneys are damaged, BUN levels in the blood rise. Therefore,
BUN is a relatively inexpensive and readily available test, which makes it a practical biomarker for
use in clinical practice. However, it is important to note that BUN is not a perfect marker of renal
damage. BUN levels can be affected by a number of factors, including diet, dehydration, and liver
function. Additionally, BUN levels may not rise until kidney damage is already significant.
In addition to its role as a biomarker for renal damage, BUN may also play a role in the
pathogenesis of kidney disease. For example, high levels of BUN can lead to inflammation and
Chloride ion is not a widely used biomarker of renal damage (Kidney Disease: Improving Global
Outcomes [KDIGO] CKD Work Group, 2021). This is because chloride levels in the blood are
tightly regulated by the kidneys and other organs, and they can be affected by a variety of factors,
including diet, dehydration, and vomiting (KDIGO CKD Work Group, 2021).
Chloride ion is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and
the kidneys are damaged, chloride ion reabsorption is increased, which can lead to elevated
Elevated chloride levels in the blood can be a sign of kidney damage, but they can also be caused
by a number of other factors, such as dehydration, vomiting, and respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, it
is important to interpret chloride ion levels in the context of a patient's overall clinical picture.
Potassium ion is a promising biomarker of renal damage. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that
plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, acid-base balance, and nerve conduction. The
When the kidneys are damaged, potassium levels in the blood can rise (hyperkalemia).
Hyperkalemia is a serious condition that can lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and cardiac
arrest.
Potassium levels in the blood can also be low (hypokalemia), but this is less common in people
with kidney disease. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and constipation.
Potassium ion levels can be used to assess kidney function and to diagnose and monitor kidney
disease. Additionally, potassium ion levels can be used to assess the risk of complications of
One example of how potassium ion is being used as a biomarker of renal damage is in the
development of new treatments for acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is a sudden loss of kidney
function that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sepsis, dehydration, and certain
medications. AKI is a serious condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and death.
1.2.3.5 Sodium ion Biomarker of Renal Damage
Sodium ion has emerged as a promising biomarker for renal damage. Sodium is an essential
electrolyte that plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. The kidneys are
responsible for regulating sodium levels in the blood, and any damage to the kidneys can affect
this process. As a result, elevated levels of sodium in the blood may indicate renal damage.
Several studies have investigated the use of sodium as a biomarker for renal damage. In a study by
Kovesdy et al. (2012), researchers measured serum sodium levels in a cohort of over 9,000
patients with chronic kidney disease. They found that higher serum sodium levels were associated
with an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events, independent of other risk factors
Similarly, in a study by Liu et al. (2018), researchers measured urinary sodium levels in a cohort
of over 1,000 patients with chronic kidney disease. They found that higher urinary sodium levels
were associated with a higher risk of renal function decline, independent of other factors such as
Other studies have also investigated the use of sodium as a biomarker for acute kidney injury
(AKI). In a study by Funk et al. (2017), researchers measured serum sodium levels in a cohort of
over 1,000 patients with AKI. They found that higher serum sodium levels were associated with a
However, it should be noted that sodium levels can be affected by several factors, including diet,
medications, and fluid balance. Therefore, it is important to interpret sodium levels in the context
Diagnosing renal damage necessitates a multi-faceted approach that begins with a clinical
examination, and evaluate symptoms such as hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension (Jones &
Johnson, 2019). Following this initial assessment, several diagnostic methods are employed:
Laboratory tests play a pivotal role in the diagnostic process. Serum creatinine levels and
glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurements are standard indicators for assessing kidney
function (Wang & Chen, 2018). Additionally, urinalysis is indispensable for identifying
Imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), provide valuable insights into the kidneys' size, shape, and structural
integrity (Rao & Bhatt, 2021). In cases requiring further clarity, a renal biopsy may be performed
medications, and, in advanced cases, renal replacement therapy. Key treatment options include:
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes are foundational to slowing the progression of renal
damage. These changes may include adopting a low-sodium diet, quitting smoking, and engaging
receptor blockers (ARBs) are frequently prescribed to control blood pressure and reduce
Dialysis: For individuals with advanced renal damage, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be
necessary to remove waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream (Kalantar-Zadeh et al.,
2019).
Kidney Transplant: In cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), kidney transplantation stands as
The treatment landscape for renal damage, often characterized by kidney dysfunction and impaired
renal function, has witnessed a noteworthy shift in recent years. Alongside conventional medical
approaches, there has been a growing trend in the use of herbal remedies to address renal damage.
This essay explores this emerging trend and delves into the key distinctions between herbal
remedies and conventional medical treatments for renal damage, emphasizing the potential
Herbal remedies for renal damage encompass a diverse range of natural substances derived from
plants and herbs, each offering a unique set of compounds and therapeutic properties. Some of the
commonly used herbs include astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), turmeric (Curcuma longa),
nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and ginger (Zingiber officinale)
(Smith et al., 2020). These herbs are believed to possess attributes that can potentially mitigate
approach to conventional medicine. The potential benefits of herbal remedies, including their anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, and blood flow-enhancing properties, make them a topic of
medicine for its potential to enhance renal blood flow and reduce inflammation (Zhang et al.,
2019).
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, exhibits anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial for reducing kidney
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica): Nettle leaf is known for its diuretic properties and potential to
alleviate fluid retention, a common symptom in renal damage (Johnson et al., 2013).
with a history of traditional medicinal use in various cultures. Recent research has explored its
potential in mitigating renal damage. Studies have shown that Solanum aethiopicum possesses
antioxidant properties and may help reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys, which is often a
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion root is believed to have diuretic effects and may
help improve kidney function by increasing urine production (Clare et al., 2009).
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in
reducing kidney inflammation and related symptoms (Bartels, 2013). These properties are believed
to contribute to the potential reduction of kidney inflammation and the alleviation of associated
symptoms. By mitigating the inflammatory response within the kidneys, ginger may play a
significant role in preserving renal function and overall kidney health. However, further studies are
necessary to elucidate the specific mechanisms and optimal dosages for harnessing ginger's
窗体底端
Medicinal plants have been an integral part of traditional and folk medicine practices for centuries,
offering a rich repository of natural remedies for various health conditions. Throughout history,
diverse cultures have harnessed the healing potential of plants to address ailments, demonstrating a
profound understanding of their therapeutic properties. These time-honored practices have not only
enriched the field of folk medicine but have also piqued the interest of modern science, leading to
a deeper exploration of the medicinal properties of plants. Among these botanical treasures,
Solanum aethiopicum, a plant with a history of traditional use, has garnered attention for its
Solanum aethiopicum, commonly known as African eggplant or bitter tomato, holds a prominent
place in traditional medicine across various regions. In folk medicine, it has been employed for a
range of health conditions, reflecting the plant's versatility in addressing diverse ailments.Among
its traditional applications are the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, diabetes,
and malaria (Giday et al., 2010). Additionally, it has been utilized topically for wound healing and
therapeutic properties. Comprehensive studies have unveiled the presence of bioactive compounds,
including alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides, distributed across various plant parts (Achigan-
Dako et al., 2009). These compounds have demonstrated diverse pharmacological activities, such
et al., 2019).
A noteworthy investigation by Giday et al. (2010) delved into the traditional uses of Solanum
aethiopicum in Ethiopia. Their research unveiled the plant's frequent use in managing diabetes and
hypertension, aligning with its historical role in folk medicine. Such studies bolster the case for
gaining ground. Its incorporation into dietary interventions, primarily due to its anti-hyperglycemic
properties, presents a promising avenue for managing conditions like diabetes (Egharevba et al.,
2019). As research continues to uncover its therapeutic potential, Solanum aethiopicum stands as
Fig 2.1 showing Solanum aethiopicum stem, leaf, and dried parts
Kingdom: Plantae
Superorder: Asteranae
Order: Solanales
Genus: Solanum
1.2.5.2 DESCRIPTION
Solanum aethiopicum, commonly known as African eggplant or bitter tomato, is a plant species
that belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes a wide range of plants known for their
economic and medicinal importance. Native to Africa, Solanum aethiopicum is widely cultivated
and valued for its edible fruits, leaves, and traditional medicinal properties.
Habit and Growth: Solanum aethiopicum is a herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial plant. It
typically grows as a low to moderately tall shrub, reaching heights of 30 to 150 centimeters (12 to
Leaves: The leaves of Solanum aethiopicum are variable in shape and size, with deeply lobed or
pinnatifid margins. They are typically green, although some varieties may have purplish leaves.
or purple, depending on the variety. They are arranged in clusters and have prominent yellow
stamens in the center. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female
reproductive structures.
Fruits: The fruit of Solanum aethiopicum is the most distinctive feature of the plant. It is a round
to oval berry, resembling a small tomato, and can vary in color from green to yellow, orange, or
red when ripe. The fruit is usually 1 to 4 centimeters (0.4 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. It contains
Varieties: Solanum aethiopicum exhibits considerable diversity, with several cultivated varieties,
each with its own unique characteristics. Varieties may differ in fruit size, shape, color, and taste.
Some are grown primarily for their leaves, which are consumed as leafy greens.
Cultivation: Solanum aethiopicum is grown in various regions with suitable climates. It is well-
adapted to tropical and subtropical environments. The plant thrives in well-drained, fertile soils
and requires adequate sunlight for optimal growth. It is commonly cultivated for its edible
Traditional Uses: Solanum aethiopicum has a rich history of traditional use in African and
other cultures. Its fruits and leaves are used in culinary preparations, often added to
soups, stews, and salads. Additionally, various parts of the plant have been used in