THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF HERBALS AS NEPHROPROTECTIVE – A NOVEL APPROACH

Nephrotoxic injury is commonly caused by drugs such as antibiotics, analgesics, and contrast agents. In some cases, such as the aminoglycosides and amphotericin B, the drug itself will damage the kidneys [1]. When the kidneys are exposed to such toxic agent and the duration of exposure, either accidentally or intentionally damage can occur in a number of ways, depending upon the agent. People are using herbal medicines from centuries onwards for safety, efficacy, cultural acceptability and for lesser side effects. Plant and plant products have been utilized with varying success to cure and prevent diseases throughout the world [2]. Therapeutically important drugs can be developed from plant sources which are used in traditional systems of medicines. Indian traditional system of medicine is based on the empirical knowledge of observations and the experience and more than 5000 plants are used by different ethnic communities in India [3]. Nephroprotectives are the substances which possess protective activity against nephrotoxicity. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of various active principles in them [4]. Ancient literature has illustrated various herbs for the cure of kidney disease [5]. Administration of various medicinal plants possessing nephroprotective activity along with different nephrotoxic agents may attenuate its toxicity [6]. Ancient literature has prescribed various herbs for the cure of kidney diseaseThe term "Pashanabeda" has been sited in literature to identify a group of plants, which have been extensively used in indigenous system of medicine to dissolve urinary calculi & stones. Eg: Aerva lanata, Crataeva nurvala, Pongamia prinnata etc. Some other plants mentioned in literature include T.terrestris, O.sanctum, Zea mays etc [7]. In the present review an attempt is made to list out the plants that showed nephroprotective activity. Journal of Comprehensive Pharmacy