Nephroprotective effect of Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth leaves on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Relevance Rudgea viburnoides, popularly known as "congonha-de-bugre” or “erva de bugre”, is used in folk medicine as hypotensive, blood depurative, anti-rheumatic, diuretic and in the treatment of kidney and bladder pain. Aim Based on the popularly acclaimed nephron-protective effect of R. viburnoides, we investigated, using rats, the protective effect of this plant extract on gentamicin-induced kidney injury. Material and methods Urinary volume, water and food intakes were assessed in adult male Wistar rats (naive or gentamicin-induced model of nephrotoxicity) treated with R. viburnoides extract. Also blood and kidney samples were collected for further laboratory and histological analyses. Results R. viburnoides leaves extract improved renal function. It also improved the renal function impairments caused by gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, as revealed by glomerular filtration rate, urine output and proteinuria. Conclusion R. viburnoides exert renoprotective effect, which may support its popular use for renal diseases treatment.