<i>Curcuma longa</i> renal historestorative effects on sildenafil induced nephrotoxicity among male albino rats

Abstract

Background: Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor mostly used in management of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary  hypertension. On the other hand, Curcuma longa is herbal plant that is mostly used in diets among the Asian and African population and  commonly used in treatment of respiratory, renal and dermatological diseases.

Methods: A post-test only true experimental study design  was utilized with 25 Albino rats grouped as follows: negative control, positive control (sildenafil 1µg/g bwt), low dose Curcuma  longa (38.75mg/kg), medium dose Curcuma longa (77.5mg/kg) and high dose Curcuma longa (155mg/kg) each having 5 rats. Induction of  nephrotoxicity using sildenafil was done for 15 days with an interim sacrifice for negative and positive control groups done on day 15.  Experimental groups were sacrificed on day 22 after receiving Curcuma longa at respective doses. Blood samples for renal function tests  were obtained on day 1, 15 and 22. Enblock harvesting of the kidneys after euthanizing the rats with concentrated CO₂ and 10% neutral  buffered formalin perfusion was done on day 15 and 22 then fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 24hours. The kidneys were then  processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and photomicrographs were taken using Olympus light microscope fitted with LABOMED  ivu 3100 digital camera.

Results: In sildenafil induced nephrotoxicity group; glomerulus was distorted, dilated bowman`s space, dilated  renal tubules and necrotic epithelial cells. Minimal histological changes were observed in low Curcuma longa dose group while in  medium and high Curcuma longa dose groups; the glomerulus had well defined margins, bowman`s space reduced in size, epithelial cells  appeared normal.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that medium and high dose Curcuma longa have kidney historestorative effects in  sildenafil induced nephrotoxicity among male albino rats.