Preliminary evaluation of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Prosopis ruscifolia Griseb. leaves extract in mice

Abstract

Liver and kidney are vital organs for body homeostasis and are exposed to damage or injury of various origins. Many medicinal plants have proved to be effective for hepatic and renal diseases. This study aimed to test the effect of Prosopis ruscifolia Griseb. leaves extract on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The experiment was carried out in mice, 300 mg/kg of acetaminophen, i.p., and 135 mg/kg of gentamicin were used to induce liver and kidney damage, respectively. Silymarin was used as protective control drug. For estimating the liver function, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST or GOT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or GPT) were measured; and creatinine, urea, and uric acid were determined in order to verify kidney functionality. The results showed that the extract has both hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect. This is evidenced by reduced values of the level of GOT, GPT, and ALP, in mice co-administered, p.o., with P. ruscifolia; and by the reduction of serum creatinine in mice with gentamicin induced kidney damage. These values showed statistically significant difference when compared with those of pathological group. The alcoholic extract of P. ruscifolia denoted hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects.