LAUSR

This study evaluated the effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (MLEPS) on the recovery from gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Fresh leaves of P. santalinoides were collected, dried, pulverized, and extracted by cold maceration technique using 80% methanol. Thirty male albino rats randomly assigned into six groups (A–F) of five rats each were used for the study. Nephrotoxicity was induced in groups A–E by intra-peritoneal administration of gentamicin (GM) once a day at 100 mg/kg for 10 days. Thereafter, the nephropathic (NP) rat groups (A–E) were used to assess the therapy with MLEPS. Group A was given drinking water (negative control). Groups B, C, and D were treated orally with MLEPS at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Group E was treated orally with silymarin at 200 mg/kg (positive control). Group F was not treated with GM and MLEPS (normal control). Parameters measured relating to kidney function were serum creatinine and urea concentrations, urine protein level, and 24-h water consumption. All the parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) increased on day 10 post-treatment with GM, which corresponds with day 0 post-treatment with MLEPS. Serum creatinine levels of the rat group treated with 500 mg/kg MLEPS were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the untreated control on days 5 and 10 post-treatment with extract (PTWE). The serum urea levels of the rat group treated with 500 mg/kg MLEPS were comparable (p > 0.05) to that of the group F (normal control) rats on days 5 and 10 PTWE, though it was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the untreated control (group A). Urine protein levels of rats treated with 500 mg/kg MLEPS (group D) were lower and comparable to that of rats treated with silymarin (group E). Also, treatment with MLEPS at 250 and 500 mg/kg led to amelioration of renal tubular necrosis in the NP rats. It was concluded that treatment with MLEPS at 500 mg/kg significantly improved recovery time from GM-induced kidney damage in rats, based on the enhancement of creatinine and urea clearance from blood, reduction of protein loss in urine, and amelioration of histological lesions.