Abstract

In the present study, we investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens, against cisplatin induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p.). Cisplatin administration resulted in significant increases in urine volume, serum creatinine and urea and significant decrease in creatinine clearance and urinary sodium in comparison with control. Also, the renal tissue from the cisplatin treated rats showed significant decreases in the kidney glutathione content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and a significant increase in lipid peroxides levels. Seven days after M. pruriens extract at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg plus cisplatin treatments significantly decrease urea, creatinine and significantly increase creatinine clearance levels as compared to cisplatin rats in a dose dependent manner. In addition, M. pruriens prevented the rise of lipid peroxides and the reduction of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione activities in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that M. pruriens extract has protective effects against cisplatin induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats.

Key words: Mucuna pruriens, cisplatin, lipid peroxidation, free radicals.