Mercury (Hg) is a potent nephrotoxin. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin against HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were administered HgCl2 (12 μmol kg−1, ip; once only) followed by treatment of Curcuma longa extract (200 mg kg−1, po) and curcumin (80 mg kg−1, po) for three days after 24 h of HgCl2 administration. The present results showed that mercuric chloride administration caused an impairment of renal function system which was evident from significant increase in urea, creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen concentration in serum. In addition, the swelling in glomerulus and degenerated renal tubules with obstructed lumen was also observed by acute mercuric chloride administration. Treatment with Curcuma longa extract and curcumin was effective in restoring all variables of kidney functions near to control group, which was consistent with kidney histoarchitecture. In conclusion, these results suggest that Curcuma longa extract and curcumin protect against HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity. This study could be important for the further understanding of mercury toxicity in renal tissues and in the development of better treatments for people and/or animals exposed to the metal.