2009 Volume 55 Issue 5 Pages 701-708
The present study was designed to evaluate the nephroprotective role of methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) an important herb in the Indian system of medicine against lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Toxicity was induced in male albino rats (Wistar strain) by administering lead acetate (0.2%) in drinking water for 6 weeks, followed by extract of A. aspera (200 mg/kg body weight). Changes in kidney weights encountered upon lead administration improved after extract with A. aspera. Lead damage to the urine was evident from increase in the activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), Cathespin D, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), β-glucuronidase lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine along with some urinary constituents (urea, uric acid, creatinine, protein and phosphorous). The effects of lead were also studied in kidney (γ-GT, β-glucuronidase, NAG, Cathespin D and LDH) and showed a decline upon extract administration. Increased activities of urinary enzymes were accompanied by increase in the urinary constituents. Treatment with methanolic extract of A. aspera after lead induction completely ameliorated the lead-induced renal damage.
