1.1 Introduction
Medicinal plants are natural resources widely used in traditional and complementary medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. They are defined as plants that possess therapeutic properties or exert beneficial effects on the human body and animal systems when properly administered (Sofowora, 2008). In many developing countries, medicinal plants serve as primary healthcare options because of their affordability, accessibility, and long-standing cultural acceptance. However, the assumption that natural products are inherently safe has raised scientific concern, particularly regarding their effects on vital organs responsible for metabolism and excretion (World Health Organization, 2013).
Jatropha tanjorensis, commonly referred to as “hospital too far” in some parts of Nigeria, is a leafy vegetable belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is extensively consumed as food and used in ethnomedicine for managing ailments such as diabetes, anemia, malaria, and cardiovascular disorders. The leaves are rich in phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties (Iwalokun et al., 2011).
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Jatropha tanjorensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, has a long history of use in West African traditional medicine. It is commonly consumed as a leafy vegetable and is reputed for its ability to manage anemia, diabetes, hypertension, and microbial infections. Iwalokun et al. (2011) reported that early studies on Jatropha tanjorensis focused on its nutritional and phytochemical composition, highlighting the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds.
Historically, research on Jatropha tanjorensis has largely concentrated on its therapeutic potentials, with limited attention paid to its possible toxicological effects on vital organs. Adebayo et al. (2010) asserted that medicinal plants, while beneficial, may contain secondary metabolites that pose risks to organ function if consumed inappropriately or in high concentrations. The extraction method plays a crucial role in determining the concentration of these bioactive compounds, with ethanol frequently employed to obtain a broad spectrum of phytochemicals. Ethanol extracts are reported to enhance both the pharmacological efficacy and potential toxicity of plant materials (Omoregie & Osagie, 2012). The use of medicinal plants as therapeutic agents has remained an integral part of traditional healthcare systems, especially in developing countries where access to orthodox medicine is limited.
Medicinal plants are widely relied upon because they contain bioactive compounds capable of producing definite physiological actions on living organisms (Sofowora, 2008). Jatropha tanjorensis, a leafy vegetable belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, is commonly consumed as food and used in ethnomedicine in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Iwalokun et al. (2011) reported that the leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which justify their traditional use in the management of ailments such as anemia, diabetes, and infectious diseases. These therapeutic attributes are largely attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds (Iwalokun et al., 2011).
Adebayo et al. (2010) asserted that ethanol extraction enhances the concentration of both beneficial and potentially toxic phytochemicals, thereby increasing the likelihood of adverse biochemical effects. Since plant extracts are treated as xenobiotics by the body, their metabolism and elimination place a functional burden on the liver and kidneys.
According to Omoregie and Osagie (2012) stated that exposure to certain phytochemicals at high doses may disrupt hepatic enzyme activities, leading to altered liver function. Similarly, the kidneys play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and excreting metabolic waste products. Yakubu et al. (2008) affirmed that the kidneys are particularly susceptible to toxic substances, as they filter large volumes of blood and concentrate harmful metabolites during excretion.
World Health Organization (2013) contended that experimental studies using laboratory animals provide reliable data for assessing the safety and potential risks of medicinal plants before their extensive human use. Evaluating renal and hepatic biochemical parameters in such models offers valuable insight into the organ-specific effects of plant extracts. This study is set against the backdrop of the growing use of Jatropha tanjorensis in traditional medicine and the need to scientifically evaluate its effects on renal and hepatic function.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on the renal and hepatic function of albino rats. The study aims to determine the biochemical and histopathological impacts of the extract, providing empirical data on its safety profile and guiding its responsible use in traditional medicine.
1.4 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the increasing reliance on medicinal plants for the management of various ailments has intensified scientific interest in evaluating their safety and physiological effects. Jatropha tanjorensis is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders, largely due to its perceived natural origin and accessibility. However, the widespread consumption of plant-based remedies without adequate toxicological evaluation raises significant concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, which play central roles in metabolism, detoxification, and excretion of foreign substances (Adewuyi et al., 2014; Oboh & Ekperigin, 2004).
Furthermore, the liver is the primary site for biotransformation of xenobiotics, including ethanol-based plant extracts, while the kidneys are responsible for maintaining homeostasis through filtration and elimination of metabolic waste products. Continuous exposure to bioactive compounds present in ethanol leaf extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis is associated with biochemical alterations that may compromise hepatic and renal integrity. Scientific evidence on the hepato-renal safety profile of this plant remains inconsistent and limited, creating uncertainty about its therapeutic reliability and long-term use (Iwalokun et al., 2011). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the effects of ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on the renal and hepatic function of albino rats.
1.5 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on liver and kidney function in albino rats. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP) in albino rats.
- To evaluate the impact of the extract on kidney function parameters, including urea, creatinine, and electrolyte balance.
- To assess histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues following administration of the extract.
- To provide recommendations on the safe use of Jatropha tanjorensis based on biochemical and histological findings.
1.6 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the effect of ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP) in albino rats?
- How does the extract affect kidney function parameters such as urea, creatinine, and electrolytes in albino rats?
- Are there any observable histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of albino rats following administration of the extract?
- What recommendations can be made for the safe consumption of Jatropha tanjorensis based on the study findings?
1.7 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant effect of ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on the renal and hepatic function of albino rats.
- H02: Ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis has a significant effect on the renal and hepatic function of albino rats.
1.8 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will help healthcare practitioners make informed decisions regarding the use of this plant in traditional medicine. Also, this research will guide consumers on safe consumption practices, contribute to pharmacological research, and support the development of standardized protocols for herbal preparations.
Furthermore, the findings will help guide clinical recommendations for the use of Jatropha tanjorensis in managing ailments. In addition, the research will inform safe consumption practices to minimize potential liver and kidney damage.
Lastly, the outcome will provide intuitions for potential development of safe plant-based therapeutics and contribute to the development of guidelines and standards for herbal medicine safety.
1.9 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on evaluating the effects of ethanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on the renal and hepatic function of albino rats obtained and studied within Lagos State, Nigeria. The research will examine biochemical and histopathological parameters using controlled laboratory experiments and standardized dosages of the plant extract.
1.10 Limitations of the Study
The study was limited by financial and time constraints, which restricted the number of experimental animals and the duration of treatment. It was also limited by occasional interruptions in electricity supply, affecting laboratory operations. Additionally, delays in obtaining reagents and chemicals was a constraint, and the availability of historical data on plant toxicity was insufficient.
1.11 Definition of Terms
Ethanol Leaves Extract: A concentrated preparation obtained by soaking Jatropha tanjorensis leaves in ethanol to extract bioactive compounds (Adebayo et al., 2010).
Jatropha tanjorensis: A leafy vegetable and medicinal plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, used traditionally for the management of anemia, diabetes, and infections (Iwalokun et al., 2011).
Renal Function: The ability of the kidneys to filter blood, excrete waste products, and maintain electrolyte balance (Yakubu et al., 2008).
Hepatic Function: The capacity of the liver to metabolize drugs, detoxify harmful substances, and synthesize essential proteins (Omoregie & Osagie, 2012).
Albino Rats: Laboratory rats with a genetic lack of pigmentation, commonly used as experimental models due to physiological similarities to humans (World Health Organization, 2013).
Biochemical Parameters: Quantifiable indicators such as ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine used to assess organ function (Adebayo et al., 2010).
Histopathology: The microscopic examination of tissue to study the effects of disease or toxic substances (Iwalokun et al., 2011).
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