Pharmacognostic Studies and Nephroprotective Potential of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina in Acute Renal Failure

Objective: The present research work unearthed not only pharmacognostic features of the seeds of Trichosanthes cucumerina but also the nephroprotective activity of 60% hydro alcoholic extract against Cisplatin-induced Wistar rat model. Materials and methods: Present study dealt with the detailed pharmacognostic study of the seeds of Trichosanthes cucumerina. 60% hydro alcoholic extract was prepared by hot extraction method. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. Based on acute toxicity studies nephroprotective effect of the extract was screened at 200 and 400 mg/kg, b. w. in curative and prophylactic regimen. Nephrotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by administration of Cisplatin (5mg/kg, b.w. i.p. as a single dose). Nephroprotective activity was assessed by estimating serum markers and urinary functional parameters supported by anti-oxidant studies and histopathological aspects. Results: Microscopic studies showed that the seed coat had outer aerenchymatous tissue, inner parenchymatous tissue and innermost compact lines of sclereids. Physicochemical evaluation yielded alcohol and water soluble extractive values of 20.8 and 8.05%w/w. Total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash values were 7.15, 6.45 and 0.5 respectively. Fluorescence analysis imparted characteristic colours to the seed powder when observed under visible and UV light. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was indicated by increased levels of serum markers and urinary functional parameters which were reversed by the extract in dose dependent manner. The results were substantiated by anti-oxidant studies and histopathological studies. Conclusion: Various pharmacognostic parameters evaluated assisted in identification and standardization of seeds of Trichosanthes cucumerina in crude form. Present study revealed that hydroalcoholic extract attenuated the nephrotoxicity and provided the strengthened scientific evidence for the use of seeds of Trichosanthes cucumerina in nephrotoxicity.