Nephroprotective activity of Vigna mungo (Linn.) Hepper on gentamicin-induced renal damage in albino rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the preliminary phytochemical studies and nephroprotective activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of seeds of Vigna mungo in Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The seed powder of Vigna mungo was successively extracted with methanol and water. Preliminary phytochemical tests were done, the extracts showed the presence of amino acids, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, phytic acid, total phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, saponins and tannins. The protective activity of the extracts was justified by physical (decrease in body weight) and biochemical (increased blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum uric acid and decreased serum total protein) changes induced by gentamicin in kidney parameters. When compared to normal control group. The groups treated with both the extracts had significantly prevented the above changes produced by gentamicin in rats. In general both the extracts possessed protective activity though methanolic extract was found to exhibit greater protection.