Open AccessAcute renal failure is defined as rapid loss of renal function and has been associated with a high mortality rate. Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidney is the most prominent cause of intrinsic acute renal failure. Activation of reactive oxygen species is implicated in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study investigated the anti-ischemic effect of hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum (OC) against renal I/R injury by its effect on reactive oxygen species. Wistar albino rats were administered different doses of hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum (OC) before renal ischemia, followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. Serum creatinine, Serum Cystatin C, serum oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured for renal dysfunction. Serum and tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. Renal sections were analyzed for histological grading of renal injury. Hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum (OC) signiï¬cantly reduced increased creatinine, Cystatin C, serum oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Ocimum canum also increased kidney superoxide dismutase activity, catalase and reduced glutathione levels and reduced the malondialdehyde levels. Hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum reduced histological renal damage. These results suggest that the hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum canum reduces renal dysfunction and injury caused by renal I/R.