Effect of Apple (Malus domestica) on Na+/K+-ATPase Activity in Liver, kidney and Heart of Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: The effect of crude extract of apple on the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in the liver, kidney and heart tissues of rats was investigated. Methodology: Two separate test groups of animals were fed a standard laboratory diet, water and given 1 ml and 1.5 ml/ kg body weight of crude extract of apple respectively. The control animals were fed the diet and water.  The animals were treated for 6 weeks and then sacrificed. The liver, kidney and heart were excised from the rats and subsequently used for analysis of Na+/K+-ATPase. Results: The results obtained indicate that there was no significant (p>0.05) change in body weights of rats administered 1 ml and 1.5 ml/ kg body weight of apple extract. Similarly no significant (P>0.05) change was observed in the weight of liver, kidney and heart of test rats relative to control. Examination of the data reveal that the activity of the enzyme was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the kidney but not in the liver and heart of the rats treated with the extract as compared to control. The renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity was lowest in rats treated with an extract dose of 1.5 ml / kg body weight of extract. Conclusion: The present study has shown that the Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the kidney was inhibited by apple extract. The inhibition of the enzyme is suspected to be due to some phytochemicals present in apple. However, this suggestion remains to be scientifically confirmed.