Nephroprotective, Diuretic and Antioxidant Effects of Some Medicinal Herbs in Gentamicin-Nephrotoxic Rats

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the nephroprotective, diuretic and antioxidant effects of extracts of Petroselinum sativum, Eruca sativa and Curcuma longa herbs in gentamicin (GM)-nephrotoxic rats. Material and Methods: Forty two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly distributed into six equal groups. Group 1 was given sterile saline solution by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (negative control). Group 2 (nephrotoxic) was injected with GM (80 mg/kg, i.p.) for 8 days during the last week of the experiment. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were orally pretreated with herbs extracts, alone and in combination, for 6 weeks along with GM during the last week. Blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Kidney specimens were taken for estimating oxidant/antioxidant parameters and for histopathology. Results: GM induced nephrotoxicity characterized by biochemical and histopathological alterations, increased lipid peroxidation and reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney tissues. Aqueous extracts of Petroselinum sativum, Eruca sativa and Curcuma longa herbs caused nephroprotective effect as it decreased in the elevated serum urea, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and normalized serum levels of Na+ and K+ electrolytes in GM-intoxicated rats. These extracts also increased the urine volume and urinary excretion of Na+ and K+, ameliorated renal tubular necrosis and increased activities of renal antioxidant enzymes in GM-intoxicated rats. Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Petroselinum sativum, Eruca sativa and Curcuma longa produce nephroprotective, diuretic and antioxidant effects in GM - nephrotoxic rats. These herbs may be beneficial for patients who suffer from kidney diseases and those on GM therapy.