Effects of Palm Kernel Oil, Olive Oil, Crude Oil and Honey on Renal Function of Male Albino Rats

This study investigated the effects of palm kernel oil, olive oil, crude oil and honey on renal function of male albino rats. These chemical substances are used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as antidote for poisons. Thirty healthy male albino rats were purchased and used in this research study. The animals were randomly placed into five groups (n=6). The animals were administered the corresponding chemical substances for a period of three weeks. They were later sacrificed and their blood samples and kidneys collected for biochemical and histological analysis respectively. Urea increased in all the groups administered the different chemical substances compared to the control. The increase is statistically significant (p<0.05) in groups 4 and 5, and non-significant (p>0.05) in groups 2 and 3 when compared to the control (group 1). Creatinine increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in all the test groups compared to the control. Sodium decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) in group 2, but increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 3, 4 and 5 compared to the control. Potassium increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in group 2, but increased significantly (p<0.05) in groups 3, 4 and 5, while chloride increased significantly (p<0.05) in groups 2, 3 and 5 and non-significantly (p>0.05) in group 4 compared to the control. Photomicrographs of histoarchitectural state of the renal tissues showed some forms of alterations in some parts of the tissues of the test animals when compared with the control. This study showed that long term administration of palm kernel oil, olive oil, crude oil and honey, as used in this study could cause certain alteration to renal functions. The order of renal intoxication caused by the administration of the chemical substances is crude oil > honey > olive oil > palm kernel oil.