Ameliorative Role of Virgin Coconut Oil on Tramadol-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley Rats

This research aims to investigate the effect of Tramadol induced nephrotoxicity and the ameliorative potency of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on the kidneys using Sprague-Dawley rats as experimental models. A total of 40 rats were used for the study and were grouped 1-4 (130±30g; N=10). Group 1 served as the Control group and was given 1ml of Distilled Water (DW). Groups 2-4 received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of Tramadol respectively for 4 weeks. Five animals were randomly selected and euthanized, and the kidneys were harvested for histology and to determine oxidative stress levels, and blood sera were used for kidney function test. The remaining rats in each group received 10 mg/kg of VCO for duration of 2 weeks and were euthanized and above parameters were determined. Results showed an increase in the MDA and decrease in SOD and CAT values in the kidney tissue for the groups administered Tramadol. There was an increase in creatinine values in the groups administered Tramadol and an overall decrease in the values of Urea and Albumin. Sections of the tramadol-treated group showed an area of inflammatory infiltration in the interstitial space while groups administered with VCO showed normal histology. There was an increase in the CAT values for the group treated with VCO. There was an increase in creatinine values in the groups administered VCO and a decrease in the values of urea. In conclusion, Tramadol had adverse effects on the kidney however upon administration of virgin coconut oil (VCO), improvement in the cytoarchitecture of the kidney and levels of the oxidant markers was recorded.