Amelioration of cisplatin and gentamicin -induced nephrotoxicity by seeds of cucumis sativus

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of Cucumis sativus against cisplatin and gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male Albino Wistar rats. 60% hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by hot extraction method. In both cisplatin and gentamicin models, activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Cucumis sativus was evaluated in curative and prophylactic regimens at two dose levels i.e., 200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.  In Cisplatin model nephrotoxicity was induced by cisplatin (i.p., 5 mg/kg, b.w.) where as in Gentamicin experimental model induction of nephrotoxicity was done by gentamicin (s.c, 80 mg/kg, b.w.).  Nephrotoxicity was assessed by determining serum markers level, urinary functional parameters. In kidney homogenate renal oxidative stress markers such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and Glutathione reduced (GSH) were measured. Further histopathological studies were carried out. Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract in cisplatin and gentamicin-induced models in curative and prophylactic regimens significantly attenuated the elevated levels SC, BUN, S_TP, U_TP and LPO In addition, hydroalcoholic extract increased creatinine clearance, SOD, CAT and GSH levels in experimental rats. Histopathological studies also substantiated the results obtained. The findings of the present study provide corroborative scientific evidence for the ethnopharmacological use of seeds of Cucumis sativus for urinary ailments.