<i>Curcuma longa</i> renal historestorative effects on sildenafil induced nephrotoxicity among male albino rats

Abstract

Background: Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor mostly used in management of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. On the other hand, Curcuma longa is herbal plant that is mostly used in diets among the Asian and African population and commonly used in treatment of respiratory, renal and dermatological diseases.
 Methods: A post-test only true experimental study design was utilized with 25 Albino rats grouped as follows: negative control, positive control (sildenafil 1µg/g bwt), low dose Curcuma longa (38.75mg/kg), medium dose Curcuma longa (77.5mg/kg) and high dose Curcuma longa (155mg/kg) each having 5 rats. Induction of nephrotoxicity using sildenafil was done for 15 days with an interim sacrifice for negative and positive control groups done on day 15. Experimental groups were sacrificed on day 22 after receiving Curcuma longa at respective doses. Blood samples for renal function tests were obtained on day 1, 15 and 22. Enblock harvesting of the kidneys after euthanizing the rats with concentrated CO2 and 10% neutral buffered formalin perfusion was done on day 15 and 22 then fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 24hours. The kidneys were then processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and photomicrographs were taken using Olympus light microscope fitted with LABOMED ivu 3100 digital camera.
 Results: In sildenafil induced nephrotoxicity group; glomerulus was distorted, dilated bowman`s space, dilated renal tubules and necrotic epithelial cells. Minimal histological changes were observed in low Curcuma longa dose group while in medium and high Curcuma longa dose groups; the glomerulus had well defined margins, bowman`s space reduced in size, epithelial cells appeared normal.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that medium and high dose Curcuma longa have kidney historestorative effects in sildenafil induced nephrotoxicity among male albino rats.