Phytocomponents and effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Alstonia boonei (de wild) on serum electrolyte levels in wistar rats

Alstonia boonei, common name cheese wood contains major phytochemical compounds used for healing. This study evaluated the effects of the aqueous leaves extract of A.boonei on renal function of male and female wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) male and female wistar rats weighing between 120-230 g were randomly assigned into eight (8) groups (A - H) of three (3) rats per group. Groups (A and E) were used as male and female controls respectively while male groups (B – D) and female groups (F – H) served as the test groups and received 500, 1000 and 2500 mg/kg of the extract respectively. After twenty-eight days of extract administration all the animals were fasted for twenty-four hours and sacrificed. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for analysis of serum electrolytes. The results revealed insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in the serum levels for males and females at the doses tested except level of urea in female rats, it also revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in serum sodium and potassium in male animals at doses tested. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of medicinally important phytochemicals such as hydroquinone for lightening the dark patches of skin caused by pregnancy birth control pills and Oleic acid used as a pharmaceutical solvent for the production of soaps, cosmetics, ointments, lubricants and serves as an emulsifier and assist in the absorption of some drugs by the skin. Alstonia boonei leaf must carefully be exploited medicinally because of the increase in urea levels for female rats and decrease in potassium and sodium in male rats at doses used.