Shanmukha I

In the current investigation, we have assessed the nephroprotective activity of the 70% ethanolic extract of Tecoma stans leaves (EETSL) against cisplatin, gentamicin and paracetamol (nephrotoxicants) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Nephrotoxicity is confirmed by elevated kidney weight, blood urea, serum creatinine, lipid peroxidation (LPO), decreased tissue glutathione (GSH) and body weight levels at the administered doses. The ethanolic extract produced reduction in kidney weight, blood urea, serum creatinine, LPO levels and reversed the depleted GSH levels and body weight. This is further confirmed by histopathological studies. The results of the present study reveals that the ethanolic extract of Tecoma stans leaves significantly inhibited the cisplatin, gentamicin and paracetamol induced renal damage in rats and this may be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Key words: Tecoma stans, Lipid peroxidation, GSH, Cisplatin, Gentamicin, Paracetamol, Renal injury.

Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases.  In order to continue the other plants with potential benefits with free radical scavenging properties, researchers start looking forward for exploring new plants with rich in flavonoids and polyphenolics. These constituents possess not only free radical scavenging properties but also they are highly safe in the treatment of many diseases/disorders. In one of the field survey, it was identified that Sesbania grandiflora(Linn) was extensively used by folklore practitioner for treating many human ailments such as flatulent-colic, astringent, cooling, bitter, tonic, anthelmintic, febrifuge, dyspepsia, diarrhea and gastralgia, pain, nyctalopia, anaemia, emaciation. Even the plant is a rich source of antioxidants such as phenolics and flavonoids. However, scientific information about the plant and concentration of these constituents was not updated. Hence it was planned to undertake the plant of the present study for its spectrophotometric determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents from 70% alcoholic extract of flowers of Sesbania grandiflora using Catechol and Quercetin as reference standard. It was observed that, 70% alcoholic extract of flowers of Sesbania grandiflora(Linn) showed 64.0mg/G of total phenol equivalent to catechol and 28.80mg/G of flavonoidal content equivalent to quarcetin standard.  Hence it may be concluded that the plant many be potential source of antioxidant principles such as phenolic and flavonoid. Furthermore, the plants possessing these antioxidants can be highly beneficial for the treatment of many common human ailments. Key-Words: Catechol, Flavonoid, Phenolic, Quercetin, Sesbania grandiflora(Linn).