Evaluation of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Vigna mungo (Linn.) Hepper on rifampicin-induced toxicity in albino rats

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of seeds of Vigna mungo (AEVM) (fabaceae) against rifampicin-induced liver and kidney damage in rats. Settings and Design: Albino rats of either sex (200-250 g) were selected and divided in to eight groups of six animals in each. Four groups for hepatoprotective activity and four groups for nephroprotective activity. Group 1 was normal control, group 2 was positive control, group 3 was treated with standard drug, group 4 was treated with AEVM. Similarly it was done for nephroprotective activity. The results are evidenced on the basis of physical, biochemical, histological, and functional parameters. Materials and Methods: Drugs used are rifampicin, silymarin, diagnostic kits (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and BIT) for hepatoprotective activity. BUN, serum creatinine, and serum uric acid for nephroprotective activity. Seed powder of Vigna mungo was extracted with water. Preliminary phytochemical tests were done to identify the phytoconstituents. The hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of the AEVM were assessed in rifampicin-induced hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic rats. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests. Results: The AEVM showed the presence of amino acids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, phytic acid, total phenolic compounds, saponins, and tannins. Rifampicin produced significant changes in physical (increased liver weight, decreased body weight), biochemical (increase in serum glutathione pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (BIT) level, increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and serum uric acid level), histological (damage to hepatocytes, nephrons), and functional (barbiturates-induce sleeping time) induced by rifampicin in liver and kidney parameters, respectively. Pretreatment with AEVM significantly prevented the physical, biochemical, and histological changes induced by rifampicin in the liver and kidney, respectively. Conclusion: The AEVM possessed statistically significant hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity.