Asian Journal of Current Research

Lead exposure is a pervasive environmental hazard known for its detrimental effects on renal function. Garcinia kola is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, and its extract is believed to protect organs from toxic insults by mitigating oxidative stress and cellular damage. This study investigates the nephroprotective effects of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) aqueous extract against lead-induced kidney damage in Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a lead-only group (60 mg/kg lead acetate), and three treated groups receiving lead followed by Garcinia kola extract at doses of 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg for 21 days. Biochemical analyses were conducted to assess serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels, alongside morphological assessments of kidney tissues. Results indicated that lead acetate administration significantly elevated serum creatinine levels (P = .001) and caused observable morphological changes, indicating renal impairment. Conversely, treatment with Garcinia kola extract resulted in a dose-dependent restoration of kidney function, with groups receiving 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg showing significant reductions in creatinine (P = .001, P = .011) and improvements in overall health metrics. These findings suggest that Garcinia kola extract effectively mitigates lead-induced renal damage, likely due to its antioxidant properties. This study highlights the potential of Garcinia kola as a therapeutic agent for protecting against heavy metal toxicity, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action and long-term efficacy in clinical settings.