Nephroprotective activity of Mundi (Sphaeranthus indicus linn.) - An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (Mundi) is a medicinal plant widely used in Indian traditional and folk systems of medicine for treating various ailments. In the Indian system of medicine, the plant as a whole plant or its different anatomical parts viz., leaf, stem, bark, root, flower and seed are widely used for curing many diseases. The plant is bitter, stomachic, restorative, alterative, pectoral, demulcent and externally soothing. Aim: The present study was undertaken to scientifically evaluate the nephroprotective activity of the aqueous extract & ethanolic extract of Mundi, Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. Methedology: Experimental grouping, Group-1 served as health control; received purified water (5ml/kg, p.o.). Group -2 served as Nephrotoxic control; This group of animals received daily i.p. injection of gentamicin (80mg/kg body weight) for eight days. Group 3,4,5,6 animals of this group received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin i.p. nearly for eight days in addition to this they also received aqueous extract low dose (200mg), aqueous extract high dose (400mg), ethanolic extract low dose (200mg) and ethanolic extract high dose (400mg) respectively which was started three days prior to the gentamicin injection and continued with 8 days gentamicin treatment. Histopathological studies on isolated kidney revealed that the aqueous extract & ethanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn, reversed the kidney damage and also restored normal kidney architecture. Statically Values are expressed in mean ± S.E.M. (n=6), ** = p<0.01 and *** = p<0.001. Conclusion: The aqueous extract & ethanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. showed statistically significant nephroprotective activity. The plant extract proved to have nephroprotective potentials may because of its known flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds.