Abstract

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.

Key words: Launaea procumbens, KBrO₃, oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH).