Effect of sechium edule on chemical induced kidney damage in experimental animals

Abstract

The aqueous extract of leaves of Sechium edule was evaluated for its protective activity against gentamicin, potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity and streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in experimental animals. In these three conditions, the extract of S. edule (200 mg/kg) has significantly (p<0.001) decreased the level of blood urea, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine and also significantly (p<0.001) increased the serum levels of total protein. The serum uric acid level was also significantly (p<0.001) decrease in diabetic mice treated with the extract (200 mg/kg). The extract also improves the histology of the kidney. The results indicate that aqueous extract of leaves of S. edule has possessed protective effect against gentamicin-and potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity and streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in experimental animals.