Abstract

NEPHRO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ACACIA SENEGAL AGAINST GENTAMYCIN-INDUCED RENAL DAMAGE IN RATS

Ebtihal El. Tahir, Sania A. Shaddad*, A. K. Muddathir, Nuha M.E. Agabna

Abstract

Gum Arabic Acacia Senegal is a dietary fiber known to inhibit colonic bacterial ammonia generation and increase faecal nitrogen; it is thought to have protective action on the renal system. Objectives: To investigate the nephroprotective effect of Acacia senegal (A.S) extract on laboratory rats. Methods: Twenty four males and females Albino rats (150-220 gm) were divided into four groups, each of six rats. Group I was control group, group 2 received gentamicin (100 mg/kg) intramuscularly for induction of nephrotoxicity (8 days), group 3 received the aqueous extract of Acacia Senegal (0.67 gm/kg) orally (21 days), group 4 was concomitantly administered gentamicin and the aqueous extract of Acacia Senegal (8 day). Blood samples were collected for haematological parameters (Hb, RBC, MCHC, MCV and PCV), biochemical studies (creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, AST, ALT, albumin) and the kidney for histopathological studies. Results: the aqueous extract of Acacia senegal (0.67 gm/kg) given orally for three weeks caused insignificant change in serum creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium levels. There were insignificant changes in both AST and ALT levels. However, the extract resulted in significant increase in albumin level. Haematological parameters were not affected. However, in rats treated with I.M. gentamycin in a dose of (100 mg/kg), concomitantly with Acacia senegal for 8 days revealed a nephroprotective effect, that significantly lowered serum creatinine and urea level.

Keywords: acacia senigal, gentamicin, renal failure.