Evaluation of Cuminum cyminum and Coriandrum sativum on Profenofos induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice

Introduction Pesticide is a massive poisoning substance; spread a major global health problem and killing 250–350 000 people each year (Jeyaratnam, 1990; Gunnell, 2007). Profenofos [O-(4-bromo-2chlorophenyl) O-ethyl S-propyl phosphorothioate] is a organophosphorus insecticide and was developed for pest strains resistant to other organophosphorus insecticide (Worthing, 1979). Due to its wide use in control of insects and mites on many different crops, humans are inevitably exposed to its residues in various ways. Profenofos has been classified as moderately hazardous (toxicity class II) pesticide by WHO and it has a moderate order of acute toxicity following oral and dermal administration (WHO, 1990-1991). The acute toxic action of Profenofos is the inhibition of the acetyl cholinesterase activity (Fukuto, 1990), resulting in toxicity also in humans (Jokanovic, 2001). Biochemical signs of hepatocellular injury and disturbed amino acid metabolism may be of value as markers of exposure to Profenofos, (Gomes et al., 1999). Moreover, high doses of the Profenofos induce tissue vacuolization and haemorrhage while swelling of Bowman's capsules and tubular degeneration in the kidney were well reported by (Fawzy, et al., 2007). Profenofos can induce oxidant stress which may be earlier diagnostic index in Profenofos poisoning (Lin, et al., 2003). Therefore, the aim of this study was to observe the phytoremedial impact of Coriander and Cumin on Profenofos induced nephrotoxicity. Cuminum cyminum (cumin) and Coriandrum sativum (coriander) is annual herb currently cultivated in many countries (Blumenthal, et al., 2000). Different parts of the plant, including the fruits and the green herbs, are used for medicinal purposes such as dyspeptic complaints and loss of appetite (Blumenthal, et al., 2000). Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an aromatic plant and its fruit, known as cumin seed and is most widely used spices and medicinal plants in the world. In indigenous medicine, cumin seeds have long been considered as a stimulant and are used for therapeutic purposes (Iacobellis, 2005). Pharmacological studies in animals have shown that coriander has anti-diabetic (Swanston, et al,. 1990., Gray, et al., 1999), and anti-cancer effects (Chithra, 2000) antibacterial (Burt, 2004; Cantoreet et al., 2004; Kubo, 2004), antioxidant (Wangensteen, et al., 2004), and antimutagenic (Chithra et al., 2000) activities. Coriander fruits are used as a spice, the juice of fresh leaves and the tea of powdered fruits of coriander are recommended for relief of anxiety, insomnia and sedative or for relief of nervousness, have also been indicated (Duke, 2002). Materials and methods Animals Twenty four female Swiss albino mice with average body weight ranging from 28g to 32g were obtained from animal house of Mahavir Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Patna, India (CPCSEA Regd. No. 1129/bc/07/CPCSEA, dated 13/02/2008). Food and water to mice were provided ad libitum (prepared mixed formulated feed by the laboratory itself). Animal were housed in colony rooms with 12 hrs light/dark cycle at 22 ± 2 o C. Chemicals Commercially available Profenofos, [O-(4-bromo-2chlorophenyl) O-ethyl S-propyl phosphorothioate] (50% E.C, specific gravity 1.34, trade name: "Carina", PI Industries Ltd.) was purchased from the local market. Plant materials Cuminum cyminum (Cumin) is an annual herb belonging to family Apiaceae. It is slender branched stem 20–30 cm tall. The