NEPHRO PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VITELLARIA PARADOXA LEAVES ON BENZENE-INDUCED WISTAR RATS

The protective effect of Vitellaria paradoxa leaf extract against benzene-induced toxicity was investigated in Wistar rats. Thirty male rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 6). Benzene (0.2 ml/kg) was administered to induce toxicity, while treatment groups received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the n-hexane extract. Vitamin E (200 mg/kg) served as the reference treatment for 21 days. Body weight changes, renal function indices and oxidative stress markers were evaluated at the end of the experimental period. Exposure to benzene reduced weight gain and increased serum urea, creatinine and bilirubin levels when compared with the normal control group. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione, were also reduced, while malondialdehyde levels increased significantly. Administration of Vitellaria paradoxa extract improved body weight gain, reduced renal biomarkers, restored antioxidant enzyme activity and lowered lipid peroxidation in a dose-related manner. The effect observed at 400 mg/kg was comparable to that of vitamin E. These findings indicate that Vitellaria paradoxa leaf extract may protect against benzene-induced nephrotoxicity, possibly through antioxidant mechanisms.

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