EVALUATION OF NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BAUHINIA PURPUREA IN GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: To study the nephroprotective activity of Bauhinia purpurea unripe pods and bark against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Twenty four healthy adult albino rats of either sex (150-200 g) were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. Group, I served as vehicle control and Group II as the negative control (gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d, i.p). Groups III and IV (test groups) were administered ethanolic extract of Bauhinia purpurea bark (BBE) and unripe pods (BPE) in the dose of 400 mg/kg/day, one hour before gentamicin administration. All the treatments were given for 8 days. On the 9^th day, blood and urine samples were used for biochemical analysis and kidneys for histology and assessing anti-oxidant activity. Results: Gentamicin caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by highly significant (p<0.001) elevation of blood urea, serum creatinine and urine glucose in Group II as compared to Group I. Also administration of Gentamicin in group II caused oxidative stress in rats suggested by significant increase in MDA level and significant decrease in Catalase and Reduced GSH level. While administration of BBE and BPE in group III and IV respectively caused a significant decrease (p<0.01) of blood urea, serum creatinine, and urine glucose as compared to group II. In case of antioxidant status there is significant increase (p<0.01) in Catalase and Reduced GSH level while there is significant decrease (p<0.01) in MDA level was observed in group III and IV. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Bauhinia purpurea unripe pods and bark has nephroprotective activity against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats.