The present study was undertaken to evaluate the Nephro-protective potential of cardiospermum halicacabum, family sapindaceae. Aqueous extract of whole plant of cardiospermum halicacabum Linn were prepared by maceration. LD50 studies for all the two extracts were carried by “up and down method” in albino mice following OCED guidelines No.425 of CPCSEA up to the dose limit of 2000 mg/kg. 1/5th of the maximum dose were tested. The extract was studied for nephroprotective activity. Preliminary photochemical studies revealed the presence of sterols, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins and flavanoids in aqueous extracts. Male wistar rats were divided into five groups and received saline orally (control group), vehicle control group received 2% Gum acacia orally, Rutin 20mg/kg, 200mg/kg & 400mg/kg aqueous extract was administered orally for 7 days pre-treatment. On the 7th day of experiment, each groups were kept fasted for 14 hrs and gentamycin in a dose of 100mg/kg body weight given to all rats. After 48 hrs animals were anesthetised by chloroform and blood samples were collected by retro-orbital method by using heparin coated capillaries and animals were sacrified. The supernatant was used for estimation of various biochemical parameters by using semi auto-analyzer (MISPA EXCEL) and the kidney was isolated for histopathological studies. Nephrotoxicity produced by the significant increase in serum levels of ALP, Creatine, BUN, Uric acid, Cholesterol was reduced in Rutin, Aqueous extract pre- treated groups. Nephroprotective effect of Rutin & cardiospermum halicacabum likely results from suppression of oxidative stress.
