Abstract

Background: Cashew (Anarcadium occidentale) nut possess anti-oxidative and anti-
inflammatory properties which may be beneficial for nephrotoxicity caused by lead-
mediated lipid peroxidation and impaired histoarchitecture of the kidney.
Methods: Serum urea and creatinine as well as kidney lipid peroxidation (MDA) and
histoarchitecture was assayed on kidney tissues of 20 Wistar rats in order to ascertain the
impact of cashew nut on nephrotoxicity induced by lead. The experimental animals were
grouped into groups A, B, C and D; Group A served as control and received 1ml of distilled
water. Experimental model of nephrotoxicity was induced on groups B, C and D with lead
acetate 150mg/kg; group B was left untreated while groups C and D were treated with
500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg (P.O.) of cashew nut respectively for 14days.
Results: Lead acetate significantly increased serum urea, creatinine and kidney MDA at
P<0.05 as well as impair histoarchitecture of the kidney tissue by causing great degree of
distortion of glomerulus, thin macula densa, distorted thin segments of loop of Henle and
infiltration of inflammatory cells on the tissues. Cashew nut showed beneficial input by
averting the adverse impact of lead acetate via reducing serum urea, creatinine and kidney
MDA significantly at P<0.05 as well as moderating the histoarchitecture of the kidney
tissue back to normal architectural components with various cells of straight segments of
loops of Henle and mild irregular contour of thin segments of loop of Henle.
Conclusion: Cashew nut attenuated nephrotoxicity caused by lead-mediated lipid
peroxidation and impaired histoarchitecture of kidney tissues

Keywords

Anarcadium occidentale, cashew nut, lead acetate, nephrotoxicity, kidney, lipid peroxidation