The ATP levels in kidneys and blood are mainly decreased by acute ingestion of tullidora (Karwinskia humboldtiana)

Our previous acute toxicity studies with Karwinskia humboldtiana (Kh) in rats showed renal hemodynamic changes with a marked increase in the fractional excretion of sodium and morphological damage. To analyse the effects of Kh or 'tullidora' on energetic metabolism, a single dose of an oral preparation from the seed fruits was given to Wistar rats (1.25 g/kg). In tullidora-treated rats there was 8% mortality. ATP concentrations in renal tissue decreased significantly (control: 53.85±3.34, tullidora 38.28±5.31 μmol/g fresh tissue, P<0.05). Total blood (54.8±0.96, tullidora: 40.2±1.55 μmol/dL, P<0.01) and haemoglobin-ATP concentrations (3.69±0.12, tullidora: 2.56±0.11 μmol/g, P<0.01) were also significantly diminished. Moreover, the total protein in renal cortex from tullidora-treated rats decreased as compared to control group (control: 71.43±2.88, tullidora: 55.20±4.06 mg/g fresh tissue, P<0.05). In contrast, Na+-K+-ATPase activity in tullidora-treated animals was not different from control rats. These findings might partially explain the acute effects and mortality observed in the Kh treated rats.