PHARMACOGNOSTIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION & PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SCOPARIA DULCIS LINN. PLANT EXTRACTS FOR NEPHRO-PROTECTIVE ACTIVITY

The aerial parts of Scoparia dulcis Linn. belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. Traditionally are used as antiulcer, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antianaemic, analgesic, antidiabetic, hyperlipidaemia, hepatoprotective etc. From literature survey the aerial parts of Scoparia dulcis Linn. are rich source of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds but not yet scientifically investigated for nephroprotective activity. So in order to give scientific background the aerial parts of Scoparia dulcis Linn. was evaluated for nephroprotective activity by gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. The present study carried out with Pharmacognostic examination like macroscopic, microscopic, proximate values and preliminary phytochemical test evaluation of alcohol and water extract; And their Pharmacological evaluation that gentamicin at dose of 100 mg./kg. BW/day I.P. rout produces significant nephrotoxicity as evidenced by decreased in body weight, urine volume & elevate in kidney weight, serum urea,  uric acid, serum creatinine, with renal tubular necrosis. After treatment the alcohol and water extracts each (200 mg./kg. B.W./ day I.P.) of aerial parts of Scoparia dulcis Linn. Show significant decreases (p˂0.001) serum urea, uric acid, creatinine level, kidney weight & significant increases in urine volume, body weight as compared to negative control group. The finding suggests that the alcohol and water extracts aerial parts of Scoparia dulcis Linn. possesses marked nephroprotective activity with minimal toxicity.