Protective role of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. fruit extract against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Drug induced nephrotoxicity is an important cause of renal failure. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is a recognized nephrotoxicant in human beings. Use of plant based natural products in the treatment of such renal disorders caused by toxins is not uncommon. In this study, we investigated the nephro-protective potential of hydroalcoholic whole fruit extract of Ash guard, Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (HABH) against the toxicity caused by gentamicin in albino Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups consisting of six animals in each treatment like normal control (Gr. I), gentamicin 80 mg/kg, i.p. (Gr. II), gentamicin 80 mg/kg, i.p. + HABH 200 (Gr. III) and 400 mg/kg, p.o. (Gr. IV). The degree of protection was assessed by estimating body weight, kidney weight, urine volume of the animals, biochemical parameters in urine and blood and histopathological examination of kidneys. The in vivo antioxidant activity was assessed by estimating the levels of GSH and lipid peroxidation in kidney tissues. The treatment with HABH (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) markedly reduced gentamicin induced elevation of urinary sodium, potassium electrolytes, urinary glucose, blood urea and creatinine levels. It also increased the relative body weight of animals, urinary creatinine along with preservation of antioxidant glutathione. The comparative histopathological study of kidneys showed almost normal architecture as in normal control group. The results demononstrated beneficial nephroprotective effects of hydro-alcoholic whole fruit extract of B. hispida by potentially reversing the conditions of kidney damage induced by gentamicin.