Uvaria chamae Stem Extracts Possess Nephroprotective and Cardioprotective Effects Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

Background and Objective: Renal and cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide and require alternative medical interventions. This study investigated the effects of deionized water and ethyl acetate extracts of Uvaria chamae stem (DEEUS) on renal and cardiovascular parameters of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in albino rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 male albino rats were divided into 9 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 served as normal control. Groups 2-9 were injected with CCl4. Group 2 was untreated, group 3 received 20 mg kg^-1 b.wt., of vitamin C, while groups 4-9 were treated with DEEUS at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg kg^-1 b.wt., respectively for 21 days via oral intubation. The renal and cardiovascular parameters of these rats were determined. The data obtained from the biochemical tests were subjected to a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: There were significantly (p<0.05) higher concentrations of serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, cTnI, TG, TC and LDL, with lower concentrations of HDL, as well as significant (p<0.05) higher activities of CK and LDH in the untreated group compared to the normal control. Upon treatment, the extracts prevented further tissue damage, leading to the recovery of the animals as shown by the differences between the treated and untreated groups. The effects were found to be dose-dependent, with higher effects observed in the ethyl acetate extract than in the deionized water extract. Conclusion: The results indicated that Uvaria chamae stem extracts possess nephroprotective and cardioprotective activities and could be harnessed for the management of renal and cardiovascular diseases.