Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic Potentials of Aqueous Extract of Stem-Bark of Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale L) in Rats

The beneficial potential of the fruit, leaves and bark of cashew tree against health disorders have been reported; however, the effects of aqueous extract of stem-bark of cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) on biochemical and haematological indices are sparse in the literature. Twenty Wistar rats were divided into 4 equal groups - one control group and three treatment groups. The control group was placed on normal rat feed, while group 1,2 and 3 received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight extract orally, respectively, for 28 consecutive days with distilled water ad libitum. The blood and serum obtained were used for haematological and biochemical analyses, while histopathological alterations were examined in the liver and kidney tissues. The treatment significantly increased serum ALP, AST, ALP, γ-GT, total bilirubin and urea at 400mg/kg (P<0.05) as compared to control. Although there was a significant increase in total protein, we observed significant decrease in serum albumin at 400mg/kg aqueous extract (P<0.05). Similarly, the low to high doses of the aqueous extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) red blood cell count. Our results suggest hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potentials of aqueous extract of stem-bark of cashew tree at 400mg/kg, although lower oral dose may have beneficial effects.