The effect of Searsia chirindensis stem-bark extract on renal and liver function in a rat model of neurotoxicity

- Searsia chirindensis (SC) does not alter liver and kidney function.
- SC comprises primarily phenolic acids and triterpenoids.
- These compounds may account for the strong free radical scavenging activity shown.
- Therefore SC does not alter homeostasis of other bodily systems in our model.

Searsia chirindensis (SC) (Baker F.) (Anacardiaceae) has shown potential for the treatment of many neurological diseases however its effect on other bodily systems in neurotoxic models is not well-documented. In this study we investigated the effects of SC on blood glucose homeostasis, as well as its effect on liver and kidney function by assessing lipid peroxidation using the TBARS assay and measuring plasma and urinary electrolyte concentrations in a 6-hydroxydopamine parkinsonian model. The relative levels of phytochemicals were also quantified, along with testing free radical scavenging activity via the DPPH assay. Our results showed that SC decreases blood glucose levels but did not alter the liver and kidney function as reflected by the absence of electrolyte imbalances and lipid peroxidation damage. We also found that SC comprises primarily phenolic acids (945.73 ± 154.01 mg GA/g SC) and triterpenoids (1997.21 ± 404.04 mg OA/g SC) with minimal flavonoid content (12.98 ± 2.75 mg Q/g SC) and exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity (≈ 80%). In conclusion, these results suggest that SC does not alter the renal and liver function at least in the different parameters studied.