Effect of Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides on Gardos Channel, Erythropoietin, and Arginine Vasopressin Ii Receptor in Normal (non-Induced) Wistar Rats

Student: Sunday Adedayo Abusewa (Project, 2025)
Department of Physiology
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State


Abstract

This study evaluated the baseline effects of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Fagara) — a medicinal plant with known pharmacological activities — on Gardos Channel, Erythropoietin (EPO), and Arginine Vasopressin II Receptor (AVPR2) in normal (non-induced) Wistar rats.
Twenty-four male rats were grouped into six sets, receiving either distilled water, Ciklavit, folic acid, or Fagara extract (30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg).

Results:
Gene expression analysis showed that folic acid treatment produced the highest expression of EPO and AVPR2, while Ciklavit and Fagara also improved gene expression compared to the negative (sodium metabisulphite-induced) control.
Conclusion:
Fagara zanthoxyloides demonstrated promising effects on kidney and red blood cell functions, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as sickle cell disease.

Keywords
Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Gardos Channel Erythropoietin Arginine Vasopressin II Receptor.