Effect of co-administration of metformin and aqueous leaf extract of <i>Bryophyllum pinnatum</i> on kidney function indices in diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of co-administration of metformin and Bryophyllum pinnatum (BP) on kidney function parameters in diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 8 rats each namely; A (Control), B (Diabetic untreated), C (120 mg/kg b. wt Metformin only), D (400 mg/kg b. wt. BP only), and E (400 mg/kg b. wt. BP and 120 mg/kg b. wt. Metformin). Results showed urea, BUN and serum ALP significantly increased (p < 0.05) while Na+, K+, Ca2+, PO43-, Cl- and kidney ALP decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in group B but were not altered in groups C, D and E when compared with A. However, Ca2+ level was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in group E compared with groups A, C and D. Kidney sections for groups A, B, C, D and E showed renal tissue with preserved architecture. There are no vascular lesions seen and no features of acute or chronic damage. In conclusion, co-administration of metformin and B. pinnatum in diabetic rats reversed diabetes-induced alterations in selected kidney function parameters in experimental rats.