Nephroprotective Role of Retama raetam Webb & Berthel on Gentamicin-Induced Acute Renal Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

The methanol extract of the seeds of Retama raetam Webb & Berthel (Fabaceae) was studied for its nephroprotective activity in gentamicin-induced renal injury in female albino rats. Twenty four rats were divided into four different groups. Group 1 was served as a control group, Group 2 and 3 were administered a daily dose of gentamicin (40mg/kg body weight s.c) for 13 days. In group 3, rats were administered with the extract (30mg/kg body weight) on the 14th day onwards for 10 days. Group 4 were treated with an oral dose of the extract (30mg/kg body weight) after 2h s.c. administration of gentamicin for 13 days. Body weight, serum urea and creatinine levels were measured. Moreover, histopathological as well as morphometrical investigations were performed. In the gentamicin model, the methanol extract of R. raetam at a dose of 30mg/kg body wt. reduced blood urea and serum creatinine effectively in the curative and the preventive regimen. Light microscopic examination of the renal tissues from gentamicin-treated rats revealed severe histopathological changes, whereas specimens obtained from extract-treated rats revealed only mild changes. The findings suggest that the methanol extract of the seeds of R. raetam counteracts the deleterious effect of gentamicin on renal tubular function.