Nephro-protective Effect of Clerodendrum infortunatum in Arsenic Induced Sub-acute Toxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

The nephro-protective effect of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn ( C. infortunatum ) in arsenic induced sub-acute toxicity (28 days) was evaluated in albino rats. 18 albino rats were divided into 3 groups representing control, sodium arsenite alone and in combination with hydro-methanolic extract of C. infortunatum leaves representing Group I, Group II and Group III respectively. Sodium arsenite (3 mg/kg b.wt.) and C. infortunatum extracts (100 mg/kg b.wt.) were administered orally once daily over a period of 28 days. At the end of treatment period (29th day), rats were sacrificed. The blood samples for hematological parameters and kidney tissues for oxidative stress indices were collected. The kidney weight was also measured. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the above plant was done to know the different phyto-constituents present. Significant reduction were observed in kidney wt., TEC, Hb% and SOD levels where as creatinine, BUN, TLC and MDA levels (P < 0.001) were significantly increased on arsenic exposure. Treatment with extract of C. infortunatum @ 100 mg/kg b.wt for 28 days, significantly reduced the creatinine, BUN, TLC and MDA levels and significantly increased the kidney wt., TEC, Hb% and SOD level (P ≤ 0.001) as compared to arsenic intoxicated group. The major phyto-constituents were present in the leaves i.e. alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, sterols and terpenes. On the above findings, it can be concluded that treatment with C. infortunatum in sodium arsenite intoxication has significant role in protecting the animals from nephrotoxicity by modulating hemato-biochemical parameters and oxidative stress level.