Evaluation of Nephroprotective Activity of Heliotropium Indicum in Experimental Animals (Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity)

Chandrika Sravanthi K; Madhavi Kumari M

doi:10.37022/jiaps.v11i3.982

K. Chandrika Sravanthi Department of Pharmacology, Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Scinces, Tagarapuvalasa, Vizayanagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
M. Madhavi Kumari Department of Pharmacology, Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Scinces, Tagarapuvalasa, Vizayanagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI https://doi.org/10.37022/jiaps.v11i3.982

Abstract

Cisplatin is an effective anticancer agent; however, its clinical use is frequently limited by nephrotoxicity, primarily associated with oxidative stress and free-radical generation. Heliotropium indicum, a medicinal plant traditionally used in India, possesses several biologically active constituents and reported antioxidant properties. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Heliotropium indicum against cisplatin-induced renal injury in albino rats. Twenty-four albino rats were divided into four groups of six animals each following approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. The study was conducted for 21 days. The control group received normal saline, while nephrotoxicity was induced in the remaining groups using cisplatin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily during the last five days. Two treatment groups received graded doses of aqueous Heliotropium indicum extract orally along with cisplatin treatment. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for estimation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. Renal tissues were also subjected to histopathological examination. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by an appropriate post-hoc test. Cisplatin administration produced a marked elevation in BUN and serum creatinine levels along with characteristic renal histopathological alterations. Pretreatment with Heliotropium indicum significantly attenuated these changes in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001). Histopathological findings further supported the biochemical results, indicating preservation of renal architecture in the extract-treated groups. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Heliotropium indicum possesses significant nephroprotective activity against cisplatin-induced renal damage, which may be associated with its antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. Further studies are warranted to identify the active constituents and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: Heliotropium indicum, cisplatin, nephrotoxicity, nephroprotection, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity

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