Nephroprotective effect of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Burm f.: Sivakaranthai (a Siddha Kayakalpa drug) against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is described as a disorder with a sudden loss of kidney function. AKI is also attributed to several aetiologies such as diabetes, cardiac problems, etc. Developing a therapy for AKI is challenging due to its complex pathophysiology. The present study investigated the effect of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Burm f. aqueous extract, a Siddha Kalpha drug, against gentamicin-induced AKI. Animals were initially pre-administered with different concentrations of S. amaranthoides and later induced with gentamicin on the 8 th day. Biochemical, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant markers were analysed. Further, HRLCMS analysis was carried out to identify the bioactive components. Components including myo-inositol, traumatic acid, rosmarinic acid, etc. were identified. In the animals induced with gentamicin, KIM1, LDH, GGT, creatinine, BUN and electrolytes were elevated in both serum and urine, while noted within normal range in S. amaranthoides pre-administered groups. Histopathology analysis revealed prevention of necrosis, tubular epithelial cell degeneration and glomerular congestion in S. amaranthoides administered animals. Lipid peroxidation, KIM1, Cystatin C, TNFα, IL6 and NFκB were within normal range in tissues. Thus, it is evident that S. amaranthoides is effective in protecting kidney damage and treating AKI. Further studies will be conducted to analyse the pathways resurrecting kidney damage.