Histological Effects of Aqueous Extract of Cinnamon on the Kidney Functions of Adult Wistar Rats

Cinnamonnium cassia (Cinnamon) is a traditional folk herb with anti-oxidant and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of aqueous extract of Cinnamon used as folk medicinal supplement on the kidney of Wistar albino rat. Twentyfour adult Wistar albino rats of both sexes were used for this study. They were assigned into two extract treated groups II, III, and were administered with 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively; and one control group I, administered with equal volume of distilled water. Administration was done orally (once daily) using an orogastric tube for 21days. At the 22^nd day, all the animals were sacrificed and laparatomy was performed, the kidney was excised for histological procedures. The kidney was fixed in Bouin's fluid. In the kidneys, there were neither tubular necroses nor interstitial and glomerular congestions. Both the distal and proximal convoluted tubules were free of dilation. The glomeruli were also devoid of distortion and degenerative changes. The extract significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum albumin and serum creatinine while it significantly increased (P<0.05) blood urea. These findings suggest that the administartion of Cinnamon has no deleterious implications on the histological profile of the kidney of Wistar rats.