Protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits

Oxidative stress due to abnormal production of reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin. The nephroprotective effect of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (150 and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated against gentamicin-induced (80 mg/kg) renal injury in rabbits. Serum urea and creatinine levels were evaluated as the markers of renal nephrotoxicity. At the end of the experiment, the kidneys of rabbits were excised for histological examinations and determination of lipid peroxidation levels. Serum urea and creatinine levels were reduced in the M. oleifera (150 and 300 mg/kg) plus gentamicin treated groups. On histological examinations, kidney of intoxicated rabbits groups which received M. oleifera extract showed reparative tendencies. A highly significant (p < 0.01) elevation was observed in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level in the kidneys of gentamicin-intoxicated rabbits whereas combined treatment of M. oleifera and gentamicin group showed a highly significant (p < 0.01) depletion in LPO. The present study indicates that aqueous-ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves attenuates renal injury in rabbits treated with gentamicin, possibly by inhibiting lipid peroxidation.