Abstract

EVALUATION OF NEPHROPROTECTIVE AND DIURETIC EFFECTS OF PARSLEY AND TURMERIC HERBS ON GENTAMICIN NEPHROTOXIC RATS

Shalaby M. A.* and Hammoda A A

ABSTRACT

The nephroprotective and diuretic effects of parsley leaves extract (PLE) and turmeric roots extract (TRE) were evaluated on gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxic rats. Forty two adult male rats were randomized into 6 groups of 7 rats each. Group 1 was negative control and group 2 was rendered nephrotoxic by intraperitoneal injection of GM (80 mg/kg) during last 10 days of the experiment. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were pre-treated orally with PLE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and TRE (200 and 400 mg/kg) respectively for 6 weeks and intoxicated with GM. Blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Kidneys were taken for estimating lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity and for histopathology. Results showed that GM induced nephrotoxicity characterized by alterations in serum and urine biochemical parameters, increased renal lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant capacity and incidence of renal tubular necrosis. Both extracts induced nephroprotective effect evident by significant decreases in serum urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase enzyme, sodium and potassium levels and renal malondialdehyde (MDA), but increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. The extracts also increased urine volume and urinary excretion of Na+ and K+ electrolytes, denoting a diuretic effect and mitigated renal tubular necrosis. The mechanisms of nephroprotective effect may be due to inhibition of tissue lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant activity. These results affirm the traditional use of parsley and turmeric for the prevention of kidney diseases and therefore they may be beneficial for patients suffering from kidney diseases and who on gentamicin therapy.

Keywords: Parsley, Turmeric, Nephroprotective, Diuretic, Antioxidant.