Acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: protective role of Cardiospermum halicacabum

Nephrotoxicity induced by several synthetic drugs is a major problem of modern age. Medicinal plants and phytomedicine are the prime choice of research as they possess better activity and lesser side effects.

To investigate the protective effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (Sapindaceae), methanol and petroleum ether extracts against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Nephrotoxicity was induced by the administration of acetaminophen suspension (750 mg/kg, p.o.) after the pretreatment with methanol extract (MECF) and petroleum ether extract (PEECF) of Cardiospermum halicacabum for 7 days. Forty-eight h after the acetaminophen administration estimations of serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, total proteins, cholesterol, albumin level and histological analysis of kidney injuries were determined.

In nephrotoxic animals, a significant (P < 0.01) elevation of serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol and depletion of total proteins and albumin were observed. Pretreatment with MECF and PEECF (400 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) decreased serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol level and causes elevation of total protein and albumin level, though MECF produces better effect than PEECF in rats. Histopathological studies also confirm the protective effect of extracts. The protective effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum was associated with restoration of serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, total protein and albumin level.

Methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Cardiospermum halicacabum had a significant nephroprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.