Nephroprotective effect of berberis baluchistanica against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbit

Abstract

The present study was conducted to explore the protective effect of Berberis baluchistanica against gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in rabbit. Phytochemical investigations lead to the isolation of berberine and palmatine. The crude hydro-methanolic extract at various doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) elicited strong nephroprotective effects by restoring various biomarkers which were deranged by gentamicin such as creatinine, urea, serum uric acid levels (p<0.001) in plasma and urine output creatinine clearance, urinary protein and γ-glutamyl transferase level (p<0.001) in urine in dose-dependent manner. The mediators involved in oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels were significantly (p<0.05-0.001) modulated in kidney tissue homogenate. Correspondingly, there was a significant (p<0.05) recovery in kidney weight and %loss in the body weight compare to gentamicin-treated group. In conclusion, B. baluchistanica exhibits nephroprotective effect.