Nephroprotective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Tabernaemontana Coronaria in Mercuric Chloride InducedRenal Damage in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Plants and plant-derived products are part of the healthcare system since ancient human civilization. Herbal medicines have been used for many years. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana coronaria in renal oxidative damage induced by mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in rats. HgCl2 (3 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to the rats and the extract was fed orally for 21days. Results indicated that the levels of protein content, enzymic & non - enzymic antioxidants and membrane bound ATPases were decreased in the Group II rats and reverted back to the normal level in the treatment groups. In contrast, the serum levels of cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine and liver marker enzymes were increased in the Group II rats and reverted back to normal level in the treatment groups. Our findings showed that treatment with ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana coronaria offers imperative protection from HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity. The deterioration of antioxidant enzymes and histological damage caused by HgCl2 are markedly improved by treatment the treatment with the ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana coronaria. These observations may be attributed partially to the antioxidant effect of ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana coronaria and suggest that it may be a clinically valuable agent in the prevention of acute renal failure caused by inorganic mercury intoxication.