Protective Effect of Cissampelos pareira Linn. on Paracetamol Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Albino Rats

Cissampelos pareira Linn. (Menispermaceae) widely distributed all over India and it is widely used for various kidney disorders. According to the Ayurveda, the kidneys are made up of the "Rakta" and "Meda" dhatus. Treating these two dhatus is also an effective way to treat the kidneys. The plant Cissampelos pareira Linn. is used to treat these two dhatus. This promotes us to undertake a study to examine the possible antioxidant and nephroprotective activity of the whole plant extract in paracetamol induced nephrotoxic rats. The degree of protection was determined by estimating urinary creatinine, urinary glucose, urinary sodium, urinary potasium blood urea, serum creatinine levels and body weight of the animals. The In-vivo antioxidant activity was determined by estimating the tissue levels of GSH, SOD, catalase and lipid peroxidation. The treatment with 70% hydroalcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira Linn. whole plant (HACP) (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, p.o) markedly reduced paracetamol induced elevation of urinary sodium, potassium electrolytes, urinary glucose, blood urea and creatinine levels. It also increased the body weights and urinary creatinine. In addition treatment with HACP significantly restored the tissue SOD, catalase, GSH and reduced the LP. In conclusion, these results suggested that HACP of the whole plant possess nephroprotective activity against paracetamol induced kidney damage and significant antioxidant activity.