Abstract:
The use of extracts of medicinal plants for treatments or prevention of diseases is a common health practice in most African
societies. Anacardiumoccidentale is by far the most important flowering plant of the anacardiaceae family with great ethno-
medicinal importance to third world countries including Nigeria, Brazil, India and Philippines. Traditionally, extracts of
Anacardiumocciden tale are used as anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive agents. Base on
disparities in the toxicological reports on the plant, this research seeks to evaluate the possible histological effect of ethanolic
stem bark extract of the plant on the kidneys which are major excretory organs of metabolic products. Fourteen newly
waned rabbits were divided into four groups of three animals each. Group 1 is negative control. Extract administered to
groups (II, III and IV) at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg showed congested Glomerular Tufts devoid of urinary space. Hence, the
cellular compartments are vulnerable to damage. Chronic toxicity studies are needed to further support the safety use of this
plant for treatments.
