Co-administration with Tinospora cordifolia attenuates drug induced nephrotoxicity – A histological and biochemical assessment

Introduction and Aim: Various herbs have been prescribed as a cure for renal disorders by early literature. Nephroprotective herbs are protective against nephrotoxicity. Tinospora cordifolia is known for its role in treating diabetes and disorders of the kidney and metabolism. However, studying its protective effect on drug induced nephrotoxicity at different time periods is wanting. The aim is to study the nephroprotective effect of Tinospora cordifolia on drug induced nephrotoxic changes upon co-administration of the herb with nephrotoxicity induction by the drug.   Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extract of the stem of Tinospora cordifolia was prepared and evaluated for phytochemical constituents. Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity model in adult, male, Wistar rats was utilised for the study. Gentamicin and the extract of Tinospora cordifolia were co-administered for 8 days. In the kidney, levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation were measured. Assessment of the renal tissue was carried out using histopathological severity grading.   Results: Phytochemicals like glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, quinone and coumarin were present in the stem of Tinospora cordifolia. Analysing the levels of oxidative stress and antioxidants in the kidney revealed the rise in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH). This correlated with the regenerative changes brought about by the herbal extract on the acute tubular necrosis in the renal tissue induced due to gentamicin nephrotoxicity, at the histological levels in terms of the reduction of enlargement and regeneration of the tubular epithelium.   Conclusion: Tinospora cordifolia extract constituted flavonoids which are known antioxidants. Co-administration of Tinospora cordifolia stem extract is protective in the nephrotoxic condition induced by drugs, hence, shall benefit the kidney when taken along while consuming potentially nephrotoxic drugs.