Nephroprotective effect of the combination of Nisha and Amalaki in Alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats

Background: Experimental studies have shown that Nisha (Curcuma longa L) rhizomes and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica L) fruits possess antidiabetic, antioxidant and nephroprotective activity. Their combination is effective in Type-2 Diabetes. The present study was an attempt to assess the nephroprotective activity of the combination of powder of Nisha rhizomes and Amalaki fruits in alloxan induced hyperglycaemic albino rats. Methods: The in-vivo study was conducted at the facility in Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150-200 gm were induced with hyperglycaemia using intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate (120mg/kg). The test drug in the ratio 1:4 (Nisha:Amalaki) was given in three groups in the doses, 0.108g, 0.216g and 0.432g /200g body wt. They were compared with normal control (euglycaemic healthy animals), diabetic control (no treatment hyperglycaemic rats) and standard conventional antidiabetic group administered with Glibenclamide in the dose 0.18 mg/200g body wt. After 30 days, blood, urine and tissue samples were collected and analysed for Morphological, Biochemical parameters and Histopathological changes. Results and conclusion: Statistical evaluation was done using Kruskal-Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney Test. Test drug given in dose 0.108g corresponding to human dose 6 g showed the best results with respect to Morphological and biochemical parameters among all treated groups. Histopathological parameters- glomerular and tubular changes and presence of infiltrative cells- returned to normal in all the treated groups which shows that euglycemia is important for prevention of renal changes in diabetics. The study shows that the drug combination is effective in preventing Diabetes induced renal damages.