CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF PROTECTIVE ROLE OF PLANTS AGAINST GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY

Nephrotoxicity is one of the most common kidney problems caused by variety of toxic compounds. Gentamicin (GM) is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside commonly used for controlling life threatening infections caused by Gram (+ve) and Gram (-ve) bacilli. However, it causes nephrotoxicity in about 15- 30% of treated subjects. Because of superiority of gentamicin in controlling life threatening infections, scientific community is exploring renoprotective role of plant species to minimize gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. In the present review, we have critically evaluated studies made for exploring renoprotective role of 2 species of algae, 3 of fungi, 1 of gymnosperm and 145 of angiosperms in the experimental animals exposed to gentamicin (GM). Histopathological findings of kidney are not considered in this review since these are merely descriptive (qualitative) and therefore, comparison among plant species is difficult for identifying the most promising renoprotective plant species. Ameliorating role of plant species has been considered in view of protection/recovery in the serum biochemical parameters deciphering kidney functions (urea, creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen) and oxidative stress (MDA/LPO, GSH/GPX, CAT, SOD). Out of 151species screened in the gentamicin treated animals, majority (108 species) were renoprotective (moderate – excellent) and reduce oxidative stress. It is likely that they differ in biomolecules. Plant species of excellent category may therefore, be explored for their ameliorative role to other nephrotoxicants both singly as well as in various combinations. The recommended dose of gentamicin for human is 20µg/kg body weight while several plant species were excellent in term of protection to experimental animals even at its higher doses (80-100mg/kg body weight), and therefore, there is a good scope for their clinical trials in the human beings treated with gentamicin. Presence of renoprotective properties among such a vast number of species highlights role of biodiversity in the welfare of mankind