AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF NEPHROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF ACORUS CALAMUS EXTRACT IN ALBINO RATS

The aim of this study was to assess the possible protective and curative effects of Acorus calamus against Al-induced impairment kidney in albino rat and to explore the mechanism behind this effect. This experimental animal-based study included 36 albino rats divided into six groups. Group-I control, Group-II -AlCl3-treated (40 mg/kg), Group-III Vitamin E (100 mg/kg b.w, p.o) , Group IV, V, VI received methanolic extract of rhizomes of Acorus calamus (MEAC) (100 mg/kg b.w, p.o, 200 mg/kg b.w, p.o, 400 mg/kg b.w, p.o) respectively for a period of 35 days. At the end of the experiment, renal functions as well as the biomarkers of antioxidants activities were assessed in the serum. Kidney were dissected out and histopathologic ally examined. This study showed that administration of AlCl3 caused a significant increase in the weight of the kidney. It significantly increased serum urea, uric acid, creatinine and BUN levels. AlCl3 notably inhibited the GPx activity, reduced GSH, GR, CAT levels and increased MDA level in rat kidney. Histopathologically, it induced necrosis and degeneration of glomeruli, and renal tubules. Key words: Nephroprotective, Aluminium chloride, Acorus calamus, methanolic extract