Effects of Pegagan Embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam) Extract on Renal Function in Male Wistar Rats as Assessed by Creatinine Clearance

http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i3.13

Abstract

In Indonesia, pegagan embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam), a low-growing plant native to southeastern Asia, has been used as a traditional medicine to treat numerous ailments. However, additional research on the safety of this plant is needed, particularly before it can be promoted as a potential immune system-boosting drug. The present study aimed to evaluate the sub-acute toxicity effects of ethanol extract of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (HS) on renal function. Thirtysix male Wistar rats divided into four groups were used for this study. The control group was given NaCMC (0.5%), and the three treatment groups received an oral dose of the extract of HS at doses of 7, 35, and 150 mg/kg BW, respectively, for 21 days. The parameters measured include: 24-hour urine volume, serum creatinine, urine creatinine, creatinine clearance, and the percentage of renal function on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days were determined. The results showed that doses of HS extract at 7, 35, and 150 mg/kg BW significantly affected creatinine clearance (p<0.05). In contrast, the duration of administration has no significant effect on creatinine clearance (p>0.05). Renal function increased above the standard value (>100%) at 7 and 35 mg/kg BW doses. Thus, these concentrations could potentially cause impairments in renal function. The study concludes that various doses of the ethanol extract of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides affected renal creatinine clearance in Wister rats. In contrast, the duration of administration of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides extract did not affect creatinine clearance in the test animals.