Nephroprotective Activity of Some Indigenous Medicinal Plants in Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present investigation is to study the nephroprotective activity of two indigenous medicinal plants. Material and methods: Dried leaves of Alstonia scholaris and Centella asiatica were procured from the medicinal garden and campus of Pharmacy College in the month of September, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Around 500 gm dried leaves of Alstonia scholaris and Centella asiatica were coarsely powdered weighed and filled in Soxhlet apparatus for extraction. Wistar albino rats of either sex between 2 and 3 months of age weighing 150-200 gm were used which were procured from the central animal house. The acute oral toxicity studies were carried out according to the guidelines set by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), revised draft guideline 423. Cisplatin (5mg/kg, i.p) was administered to the rats. The study was conducted for 15 days and the rats were divided into 12 groups (n=6). Rsults: Among all the extracts of Centella asiatica, methanolic extract showed a significant effect (P>0.01) as compared to other extracts. This shows that at these doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg the extract have preventive and protective potential against Cisplatin renal toxicity, suggesting it renal preventive role. Among all the extracts of Alstonia scholaris, dichloromethane extract showed a most highly significant effect (P>0.001) as compared to other extracts. Methanolic extract also showed significant effect (P>0.01) as compared to other extract. Petroleum ether showed almost negligible effect. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study have shown that extracts displayed significant nephroprotective activity in both acute and chronic conditions. Besides from the obvious therapeutic importance, these components would be useful in understanding the mechanism of diseases with higher levels of cellular and molecular level.