HISTOLOGY OF LIVER AND KIDNEY OF WHITE RAT (RATTUS NORVEGICUS) INDUCED BY CARBON TETRACHLORIDE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF COWPEA TEMPEH EXTRACT (VIGNA UNGUICULATA)

Abstract

Free radical formation, triggered by continuous carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), could cause oxidative stress that have the potential to damage the liver and kidneys.  CCl4 is still widely used nowadays, such as in the fire extinguishers, pesticides, and refrigeration industries.  Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) tempeh, a fermented food used as an alternative functional food, contains antioxidant compounds that can prevent the formation of free radicals.  This study aimed to determine the effect of cowpea tempeh extract on the liver and kidney histology of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by CCl4.  This study used a completely randomized design with 28 male rats grouped into 4 treatment groups, namely negative control (K-), positive control (K+) induced by CCl4 at 1 ml/200g body weight intraperitoneally, and two treatments induced by CCl4 at 1 ml/200g body weight and given a dose of cowpea tempeh extract at a dose of 6% tempeh ethanol extract (P1), and 9% tempeh ethanol extract (P2).  Parameters observed in liver histology were fatty degeneration, hydropic degeneration, necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration.  Parameters observed in renal histology were fatty degeneration, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and glomerular swelling.  The results showed that there was a significantly different decrease in liver and kidney damage (p<0.05) in P1 and P2 compared to the K+ group.  It can be concluded that cowpea tempeh extract was able to repair liver and kidney damage due to CCl4-induced oxidative stress.