Nephro-Protective Effects of Pistaciakhinjukhydro-alcoholic Extract against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Background and Obgectives: Pistaciakhinjuk (Anacardiaceae) has been used in Iranian folk medicine to treat diaphoretic,carminative,antispasmodic, antiseptic and inflammatory disorders. In this experimental study, the nephroprotective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of p. khinjukagainst Gentamicin (GM)-induced renal toxicity in rats was investigated. Materials and methods:The rats (n=30) were randomly allocated to five groups of six rats each: group I received distilled water (DW) (p.o), group II received (GM 80 mg/kg) (i.p), group III received (GM 80 mg/kg + 150 mg/kg p.o), group IV received (GM 80 mg/kg + 300 mg/kg) and group V received (GM 80 mg/kg + 600 mg/kg). Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Gentamicin (80 mg/kg) for 28 days. At the end of period, rats were euthanized by ether anesthesia. Blood was collected and kidneys removed for biochemical and histopathological examinations respectively.Serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as markers of nephrotoxicity. Also,antioxidant activity and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging of p. khinjuk were assayed by in vitromethod. Results: p khinjuk showed a potent antioxidant and NO radical scavenging activity by in vitro method. Administration of gentamicin to rats induced a marked renal failure, demonstrated with the significant increase in serum level of Cr, BUN(,) and MDA. Orally administration of p. khinjukat dose 600 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) normalized the alteration in the above parameters. These findings were confirmed by histopathological examinations. Conclusion: use of p. khinjukin low dose could ameliorate Gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in rats probably through its radical scavenging activity.