Evaluation of nephroprotective activity of Lepidium sativum in experimental animals
Abstract
Nephrotoxicity is a major clinical concern associated with the use of various therapeutic agents, particularly aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin. The present study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective potential of the aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum seeds in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in experimental animals. Nephrotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by administering gentamicin (40 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. The extract was administered orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in both preventive and curative regimens. Renal function was assessed using biochemical markers including serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), along with oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Gentamicin administration resulted in significant renal impairment, evidenced by elevated BUN, serum creatinine, and MDA levels, along with decreased antioxidant enzyme levels. Treatment with Lepidium sativum significantly attenuated these changes, particularly at the dose of 400 mg/kg in the preventive group, which showed marked restoration of biochemical and antioxidant parameters. Histopathological evaluation further confirmed the protective effect by demonstrating reduced tubular damage and preservation of renal architecture. The findings suggest that Lepidium sativum possesses significant nephroprotective activity, likely mediated through its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. Thus, it may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the prevention of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.