Nephroprotective and Nitric oxide Scavenging Activity of Tubers of Momordica tuberosa in Rats

Hydroalcoholic extract (70 % ethanol extract) of tubers of Momordica tube-rosa Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) was subjected to preliminary phytochemical scre-ening by qualitative tests. Nitric oxide scavenging activity was performed by Griess reagent method. And nephroprotective activity was assessed in genta-micin, cisplatin and paracetamol induced renal damage in wistar rats (150-200 g) by standard methods. The protective property of 70 % ethanol extract was assessed by measuring the levels of body weight, blood urea, serum creatinine, tissue glutathione and lipid peroxidation in administered doses. The extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity in dose dependant manner. And 100 μg/ml dose produced significantly higher scavenging activity than standard sodium metabisulphate at 25 μg/ml. Also, it significantly re-duced the renal damage caused by cisplatin, gentamicin and paracetamol at a dose of 40 mg/kg