PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF COCCINIA GRANDIS LEAVES FOR NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY

The nephroprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Coccinia grandis (MECG) leaves was evaluated against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Wistar albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into six groups, and nephrotoxicity was induced using acetaminophen (750 mg/kg) administered on alternate days for 10 days. MECG was administered at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, while N-acetylcysteine (140 mg/kg) served as the reference standard. Biochemical parameters including serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and antioxidant activity were assessed, along with histopathological examination. All treatment groups showed significant improvement in urine volume and body weight compared to the toxic control. The MECG-500 mg/kg group demonstrated the most pronounced effect (p < 0.001), restoring urine volume to approximately 9.70 mL, close to the normal baseline of 10.85 mL, while the reference group reached 10.81 mL. Lower MECG doses produced dose-dependent improvements. Histopathological analysis further confirmed reduced kidney damage in MECG-treated groups. Overall, MECG, particularly at 500 mg/kg, exhibited strong nephroprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced kidney injury.