NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF AERIAL PARTS OF URARIA PICTA AGAINST DRUG-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective potential of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Uraria picta against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Additionally, the study evaluated the phytochemical composition, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extract to understand its role in renal protection. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted, followed by estimation of TPC and TFC. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats using gentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 8 consecutive days. The extract was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Renal function was evaluated by estimating serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, total protein, and albumin levels. Results: The aerial parts of U. picta were extracted using ethanol, yielding 9.25% (w/w). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and proteins. The TPC and TFC were found to be 0.578 mg/100 mg and 0.624 mg/100 mg, respectively. Gentamicin administration caused a significant elevation in serum creatinine, BUN, and urea, along with a reduction in total protein and albumin levels, confirming renal damage. Treatment with U. picta extract resulted in a dose-dependent improvement in all biochemical parameters, with the 200 mg/kg dose showing highly significant (p < 0.001) protection, restoring values toward normal. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Uraria picta demonstrated significant nephroprotective activity against gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in rats. The protective effects may be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties linked to its phytochemical constituents. These findings support the therapeutic potential of U. picta in managing drug-induced nephrotoxicity.