The effects of kanwa on kidney function indices in rabbits.

Abstract

The kidney function indices were evaluated using thirty two rabbits made up of sixteen male and sixteen females, that were randomly grouped into four (each group consisting of 4 males and 4 females). Treated Groups 1, 2 and 3 rabbits orally received 200mg/kg, 800mg/kg and 3200mg/kg body weight (BW) of kanwa saltlick respectively. The fourth group (control) received normal saline. The serum Na value showed no significant difference (P<0.05) between the treated and control animals, with the Control having 138.34± 4.02, Group 1, 140.94± 7.4, Group 2, 133.62± 2.25 and 139.0 ±3.69 (mmol/L) for Group 3 all in mmol/L. The serum K in mmol/L are 3.76 ±2.50 (Control), 3.37 ±0.77 (Group 2), and 3.95± 0.17 and 3.96± 0.3 for Groups 2 and 3 respectively. While serum Chloride level are 103.92± 3.22, 107.0± 4.9, 104.34 ±5.33 and 113.12 ±14.77 in mmol/L for control, Groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The serum urea for the control group was higher (9.82 2.12mmol/L0, while a fluctuation was observed in the treatment groups over the experimental period, with Group 1 having the lowest level of 7.02 ±1.59 mmmol/L, while the values for Groups 2 and 3 are 8.76 ±1.88 and 8.33± 0.56 mmol/L respectively. The serum enzymes activity shows no significant variation between the control and the treated Groups. These results suggest that kanwa may possess some nutrition enhancing activities.