Nephrotoxic effects of Valeriana wallichii.

Aminoglycosides are the commonly used antibiotics against Gram negative bacteria. Their clinical applications are limited due to nephrotoxic side effects. Therefore, the current study was undertaken in an attempt to increase the use of these drugs without causing nephrotoxicity by exploring the nephroprotective effects of a medicinal plant with high flavonoid contents and strong antioxidant properties, namely Valeriana wallichii. A daily dose of 200mg/kg of the extract derived from V. wallichii was employed for a period of three weeks. The results obtained revealed that co-therapy of extract with gentamicin protected some changes in renal functions; however, failed to provide a complete protection as assessed by biochemical, physiological and histological parameters. It can be concluded from the current findings that V. wallichii failed to deliver protective effects against gentamicin induced renal damage in spite of strong flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties.