1687 Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(1) 1687-1690 (2009) ISSN: 0974- 0910 (Available online at www.tcrjournals.com) Original Article NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF DRIED FRUITS OF PEDALIUM MUREX LINN SHELKE, T. T., 1 KOTHAI, R., 2 ADKAR, P. P., 1 BHASKAR, V. H., 2 JUVALE, K. C., 1 KAMBLE, B. B., 1 AND OSWAL, R. J. 1 1 JSPM’s Charak College of Pharmacy and Research, Wagholi, Pune-412207, 2 Vinayaka Mission’s College of Pharmacy, Salem, T.N. 636 006. E. mail: ttshelke@gmail.com Received: December 8, 2008: Revised: December 25, 2008; Accepted: January 15, 2009 Abstract: Cisplatin is a potent antitumor agent, but its clinical use is limited due to its renal toxicity. Several pharmacological studies have reported beneficial effects of certain Indian Medicinal plants to protect from kidney and renal injuries. In the present investigation, the ethanolic extract of dried fruits of Pedalium murex was evaluated for nephroprotective activity in Cisplatin induced renal damage in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of Cisplatin 5mg/kg. Effect of concurrent administration of Pedalium murex ethanolic extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg given by oral route was determined using serum creatinine and blood urea and change in body weight as indicators of kidney damage. Cystone was used as standard drug. The extract significantly decreased the cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Remarkable changes were observed in body weight, serum creatinine and urea levels. It was observed that the ethanolic extract significantly protected the kidneys from injury.. Current study results show that the ethanolic extract of dried fruits of Pedalium murex is an excellent nephroprotective as compared to cystone. Key words: Pedalium murex, Nephroprotective activity, Cisplatin, Cystone ? INTRODUCTION Cisplatin is a potent antitumor agent, but its clinical use is limited due to renal toxicity. Cisplatin decreases antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes [1, 2] leading to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen metab- olites and lipid peroxidation. It is reported that many Indian medicinal plants show beneficial effects against renal injury [3]. A good example is succulent herb Pedalium murex Linn, commonly called Gokhru a member of family-Pedaliaceae. It is commonly found in Deccan and in some parts of Ceylon and Gujarat. It is about 15 to 40 cm in height, having four angled spiny brownish colour fruits (1-2 cm). The fruits are rich in flavonoids, sapogenin (diosgenin- 0.06%) and soluble proteins (20.14 mg/gm) [4,5]. An infusion or extract prepared from the leaves, stems and fruits in cold water of Pedalium murex is demulcent, diuretic and also found to be useful in the treatment of disorders of urinary systems such as gonorrhea, dysuria, incontinence of urine etc [6,7]. It has also been evaluated for its analgesic and antipyretic activities. Flavanoid, an important constitu- ent of Pedalium murex, has been reported for its antioxidant activities. Several other plants containing antioxidant properties exhibited nephrop-rotective activity against gentamicin and cisplatin [8]. In the present study, ethanolic extract of dried fruits of Ped- alium murex Linn was screened for its protective effect against the cisplatin-induced kidney damage in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plant material: The fruits of Pedalium murex Linn were collected from Karipatti hill side, Salem, Tamil Nadu in the month of July. The fruit samples were authenticated at Aringnar Anna Govt. College, Attur