ABSTRACT

Aim: To analyze the nephroprotective effects of W. Somnifera root extract against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in albino Wistar rats through gross and histopathological parameters.

Methodology: This experimental study was carried out at the Baqai Medical University, Karachi from November 2018 till February 2019. Eighty adult male Albino Wistar rats were divided in to equal four groups. Group A served as control, group B received inj. Cisplatin 1mg/kg intraperitoneally for 7 days, while group C was given W. Somnifera root extract 500mg/kg orally for 15 days before cisplatin treatment and thereafter concurrently with cisplatin for last 7 days. Group D received only W. Somnifera root extract 500mg/kg orally for 22 days. Their initial and final body weights were recorded. On 8th day of experiment group B and on 23rd day group A, C & D were sacrificed.

Results: Albino rats of cisplatin treated group B showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in final body weight as compared to group A and D whereas insignificant (p>0.05) change was recorded in WS+CP treated group C. Similarly there was a significant (p<0.05) increase of absolute & relative kidney wt. of group B. However, no significant (p>0.05) change in kidney weight of others groups were recorded.

Stained section of group B showed significant (p<0.05) hisopathological alterations in renal parenchyma. Degenerative changes were more marked in renal corpuscle and proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). However there was preservation of renal architecture of group C (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded from our study that pretreatment with W. Somnifera has prevented the cisplatin mediated tubular damage in kidney. Keywords: Cisplatin, W. Somnifera, renal corpuscles, proximal convoluted tubules, nephrotoxicity.