Nephroprotective Effect of Peepal Plant (Ficus Religiosa) in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Ficus religiosa L. is the most popular member of the genus Ficus and is known by more than 150 names. It is native to the Sub-Himalayan tract, Bengal and Central India. It has been extensively distributed worldwide through cultivation. It has been used to cure the disorders of the central nervous system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, respiratory system and infectious diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of aqueous extract of peepal bark (Ficus religiosa) and its beneficial effect on hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in cisplatin (@5mg/kg b.wt. single dose, i.p.) induced nephrotoxic rats. The experimental design involved 54 female wistar rats which were divided into 6 groups consisting of equal numbers. Groups 1 and 2 represented normal and nephrotoxic control. Group 3 was normal rats with extract administration @ 400 mg/kg body weight and group 4 was nephrotoxic rats with extract administration @ 400 mg/kg body weight. Group 5 was normal with standard polyherbal preparation @ 1ml/100g b.wt. and group 6 was nephrotoxic with standard polyherbal preparation @ 1ml/100g b.wt. The present experiment was conducted for 21 days. Biochemical (blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine),hematological parameters (red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin) and oxidative stress parameters (LPO, GSH, catalase along with total protein) with their functional indices were evaluated in nephrotoxic treated groups with peepal extract and standard polyherbal preparation. The peepal extract treated nephrotoxic rats significantly (p<0.05) lowered the level of BUN and serum creatinine which are important biochemical markers for testing kidney function. Similarly, the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin were significantly improved following the administration of the peepal extract, in oxidative stress parameters MDA of organs significantly decline in nephrotoxic group compared to other groups following the administration of peepal extract @ 400 mg/kg body weight. The peepal extract restored the histopathological alteration in the kidney due to cisplatin. Thus, it can be concluded that the bark of peepal extract (Ficus religiosa) possesses antioxidant and nephroprotective potential against cisplatin induced nephrotoxic rats. Further experimental investigations are warranted to make use of its relevant therapeutic effect to substantiate its ethnomedicinal usage.