Effects of Cysteine-stabilized Peptide Fraction of Morinda lucida Leaf on Selected Kidney Function Indices in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of cysteine-stabilized peptide fraction (CSPF) of Morinda lucida leaf on selected kidney function indices in mice.

METHODS: Sixty mice were assigned into six groups. Group A served as the control while groups B, C, D, E and F received 31.25, 61.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight of CSPF respectively for 7 or 28 days.

RESULTS: Administration of CSPF for 7 and 28 days caused no significant (p>0.05) alteration in kidney-body weight ratio, plasma concentrations of the selected electrolytes, urea and creatinine at all doses compared to controls. However, plasma uric acid concentration was significantly increased (p<0.05) after administration of CSPF for 7 days at doses of 125 and 500 mg/kg body weight while it was significantly reduced (p<0.05) after administration for 28 days at doses higher than 31.25 mg/Kg body weight compared to controls. The activities of Ca2+ , Mg2+ -ATPase and Na+ , K+ -ATPases in the kidney and the histology of the kidney remained unaltered (p>0.05) throughout the experimental period compared to controls.

CONCLUSION: CSPF may adversely affect uric acid metabolism after prolonged administration.