Abstract:
The present study is a novel approach conducted to investigate dose dependent hepatotoxicity and renal
toxicity of aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca L. seeds in Albino rats. The use of the seeds is limited since the seeds
have been subject of high controversy because of the presence of amygdalin, (Vitamin B-17) which in some studies
revealed toxicity while in others incurred anti-cancerous ability and also scarce availability of toxicity evaluation studies
which stimulates the need to expedite this study which would allow utilization of seeds in the pursuit of formulating
novel remedies. 1000, 1500 and 2000mg/kg body weight of extract orally administered in experimental Groups DI, DII
and DIII of rats (n=6) respectively for 42 days. Blood and tissue samples collected were then evaluated using liver
enzymes; Aspartate Transaminase, Alanine Transferase, Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin as hepatotoxic markers,
Urea, creatinine and BUN as renal function indicators, antioxidants levels of liver and kidney; Catalase, Superoxide
Dismutase and Glutathione reductase as oxidative stress markers and Melondylaldehyde as indicator of lipid
peroxidation. The results displayed no significant increment (P>0.05) in liver enzymes, reduced liver and kidney MDA
levels (P>0.05) and dose-dependent increased activity of antioxidants. This concludes that the extract did not show any
remarkable hepatotoxicity or renal toxicity rather improved antioxidant activity. The histology of liver and kidney tissues
further supported that the selected doses are safe for consumption.
