Abstract:

Background: Dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate insecticide, is associated with renal toxicity due to oxidative and cellular damage. Jatropha tanjorensis, a medicinal leafy vegetable widely consumed in West Africa, possesses antioxidant properties; however, the effect of leaf processing on its nephroprotective potential remains unclear. This study evaluated the differential effects of fresh and dried Jatropha tanjorensis leaves on DDVP-induced renal injury. A total of thirty male mice were assigned into six groups: control (A), DDVP only (B), fresh J. tanjorensis only (C), dried J. tanjorensis only (D), DDVP + fresh leaves (E), and DDVP + dried leaves (F). Serum creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, and bilirubin were assessed, alongside histopathological evaluation of kidney tissues. Results show DDVP exposure caused significant renal dysfunction, evidenced by elevated serum creatinine, Albumin, Total Protein, Total Bilirubin and urea levels with severe histopathological alterations including tubular degeneration, epithelial vacuolation, tubular dilation, and interstitial expansion. Co-administration of fresh J. tanjorensis leaves significantly reduced creatinine and urea levels and partially preserved renal architecture compared with the DDVP-only group. In contrast, dried leaves offered limited protection, as biochemical and histological abnormalities persisted despite partial structural preservation.