Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Doi
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) root
oil, used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments, on the
histopathology of the liver and kidney of Wistar albino rats. Methods:
The oil was extracted from the plant root by dry destructive
distillation method and administered orally at doses of 0.5 ml and 2.5
ml per rat. Each animal group was comprised of 30 rats. Treated and
untreated group of rats were sacrificed and organs (liver and kidney)
were taken out for tissue processing and staining with haematoxylin and
eosin according to the method of Bancroft and Stevens. Microscopic
examination was then carried out to observe any pathological changes in
the animals. Results: The root oil produced atrophic changes and
haemolysis in the glomerular region as well as shrinkage and shedding
of glomerular epithelium in the kidney tissues. Marked dilation of the
central vein and congested blood vessels in the rat liver at both doses
tested was also seen. Conclusion: The root oil of C. deodara
(Pinaceae), at the doses administered, produced some adverse effects on
the tissues tested but these effects were not lethal. Some toxic
changes in the tissues of liver and kidney were also found