NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ACACIA SENEGAL (GUM ARABIC) AGAINST GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: To explore the effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) aqueous extract in contradiction of gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups (n=10). Group A (negative control) received standard diet and water while group B (positive control) received gentamicin 80 mg/kg b. wt. /day via intra peritoneal (IP) route for six days. Groups C and D received Gum Arabic extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg b. wt. via oral route respectively for 10 days and concurrently with gentamicin 80 mg/kg b. wt. IP from day 5 for six days. The nephroprotective activity of Gum Arabic extract was evaluated by measuring the serum and urine biochemical parameters (creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, sodium and potassium) and examining the histopathological sections of kidney specimen. The serum and urine data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: In both serum and urine, the biochemical parameters in groups C and D were significantly improved compared to group B. The histopathological analysis of kidneys showed slight necrosis of glomeruli and tubules in group C compared to group B, while group D showed only hemorrhage and congestion in the glomeruli. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, Gum Arabic extract may possess a nephroprotective activity.