The therapeutic effect of Centella asiatica hydroalcoholic extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Introduction: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features of Centella asiatica (Centella) hydroalcoholic extract is documented in various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Centella hydroalcoholic extract on gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: In this study, 28 male Wistar rats were studied in 4 groups namely: control, sham, GM+normal saline (NS) and GM+Centella extract. In order to nephrotoxicity induction, gentamicin (100mg/kg) was injected as ip for seven days and then Centella (100 mg/kg/ip) administered for 7 consecutive days. Finally, the blood samples were collected from heart in order to measure the plasma creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen levels. Oxidative stress indices were also measured through assessing the malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) levels in right kidney. Moreover, histological damages were assessed through studying hematoxylin-eosin stained left kidney sections. Results: There was a significant increase in Cr, urea nitrogen and MDA levels, as well as renal tissue damages, while FRAP level reduced in the group received GM+NS compared to the sham one. Treatment with Centella resulted in a significant decrease in plasma Cr, urea nitrogen, MDA and tissue damages in the GM+Centella extract group compared to the GM+NS group. Moreover, FRAP level increased significantly in the GM+Centella group compared to the GM+NS group. Conclusion: Treatment with Centella extract is effective for ameliorating the kidney damages in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.