Protective effect of Launaea procumbens against KBrO3 induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Launaea procumbens is traditionally used in the treatment of renal dysfunction. In the present study, protective effects of L. procumbens against KBrO3-induced nephrotoxicity in rat were determined. In this study, 24 male albino rats (195 to 200 g) were equally divided into 4 groups. Group I was given saline (1 ml/kg b.w., 0.85% NaCl) and DMSO (1 ml/kg b.w.); Group II was treated with KBrO3 (30 mg/kg b.w., i.p.); Groups III and IV administered with KBrO3 and after 48 h with L. procumbens (100; 200 mg/kg b.w.). All the treatments were given twice a week for 6 weeks. The results revealed that KBrO3 induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the significant depletion (P < 0.01) of antioxidant enzymes (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione-S-transferase, GST, glutathione reductase; GSR, glutathione peroxidase GSH-px and quinone reductas, QR) and glutathione contents while enhanced markedly (P < 0.01) tissue nitrite, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide level in kidney. Co-administration revealed that L. procumbens methanol extract significantly (P < 0.01) protect the liver against KBrO3 mediated oxidative damage by restoring activity of antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation which might be due to the presence plant bioactive constituents.