Chaya ( Jatropha tanjorensis ) leafs protect against sodium benzoate mediated renal dysfunction and hepatic damage in rats

Jatropha tanjorensis is a commonly consumed green leafy plant that has found usage in folk medicine. Sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) is a widely used preservative in food/drink industries with potential cytotoxicity. Protective effect of some leafy plants on xenobiotic-induced toxicity have been established. Hence, this study sought to investigate the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on sodium benzoate mediated renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats. Sodium benzoate treatment caused significant (P < 0.05) alteration in kidney (serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine) and liver (aspartate and alanine transaminases, acid and alkaline phosphatases) damage markers, serum albumin, globulin and total protein levels as well as cellular architecture which were significantly reversed in groups treated with the leaf extracts. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and tannins. Sodium benzoate-induced alterations in the renal and hepatic indices were mitigated following treatment with J. tanjorensis leaf extracts which suggests protective effect of the extract against sodium benzoate intoxication.