PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF BAUHINIA TOMENTOSA L. EXTRACT AGAINST GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN WISTAR MALE ALBINO RATS

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of aerial parts of Bauhinia tomentosa extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Animals served as Group I (normal control 5 ml/kg b.wt, p.o), Group II (toxic control), and Group III and IV (treatment groups 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt, p.o) and Group V (standard cystone group 5 ml/kg b.wt, i.p). All groups except group I received gentamicin (80 mg/kg b.wt, i.p) for 10 days. On the 11^th day, serum profile (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferases, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase) and lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were estimated in the homogenates of the kidney. Results showed that administration of extract significantly minimized elevated serum levels of biomarkers, decreased kidney lipid peroxidation, increased levels of reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the study revealed that ethanolic extract of Bauhinia tomentosa has a good protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.