Prophylactic and Protective Activity of Crude and Methanolic Extract of Punica granatum Peel against Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity

The aim of the current study was to investigate the nephroprotective effect of Punica granatum peel (pomegranate) against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. The crude pomegranate peel (600 mg/kg) and methanolic pomegranate extract (600 mg/kg) for 7 days showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, serum electrolytes, alkaline phosphatase and total anti-oxidant activity as compared to gentamicin (2.5 mg/kg for 7 days) treated group. There was non-significant (p>0.05) increase in serum electrolytes, creatinine, urea, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, total anti-oxidant activity in prophylactic group receiving 600 mg/kg of methanolic pomegranate extract for 5 days followed by the administration of gentamicin (2.5 mg/kg) for 7 days as compared to normal group. The result obtained demonstrates that pomegranate peel crude and methanolic extract are potent nephroprotective agents and prophylactic use prevents nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin by decreasing oxidative stress in kidney.