Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract Against Gentamicin Induced Changes of Serum Electrolytes in Rats.
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Date
2012-06
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Abstract
Background: Regulation of electrolytes and body fluids are essential for maintaining the body
homeostasis. Kidney plays an important role for these regulations. Higher doses of drugs, toxins,
infectious agents, chemicals etc. can causes kidney damage and ultimately electrolytes disturbances
can be occurred. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herbal plant may have some role on serum
electrolytes balance. Objective: To observe the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root on
serum electrolytes against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: This
experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College
(SSMC), Dhaka from 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011. A total number of 35 Wistar albino rats, age from 90
to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 200 grams were selected for the study. After acclimatization for 14
days, they were divided into control group and experimental group. Control group was again subdivided
into baseline control, (10 rats) and gentamicin treated control group, (10 rats). Again, experimental group
(gentamicin treated group after ashwagandha treatment) consisted of 15 rats. All groups of animals
received basal diet for 22 consecutive days. In addition to this, gentamicin treated control group also
received gentamicin subcutaneously (100mg /kg body weight/day) for the last eight (15th to 22nd day)
consecutive days. Again, gentamicin treated group after ashwagandha treatment received ashwagandha
root extract (500mg/kg body weight/day, orally) for 22 consecutive days and gentamicin subcutaneously
(100mg/kg body weight /day) for last eight (15th to 22nd day) days. All the animals were sacrificed on 23rd
day. Then blood samples were collected and kidney weight was measured. For assessment of kidney
function, some serum electrolyte levels e,g. serum sodium, potassium and chloride ion levels were
estimated by ion selective electrode (ISE) electrolyte auto analyzer method, by using Biolyte 2000 auto
analyzer . However, body weight and kidney weight of the animals were measured to assess the
nephrotoxicity in these groups of animals. All these tests were done in the laboratory of Department of
Physiology and Biochemistry, SSMC. Statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni
tests as applicable. Results: The serum sodium and chloride ion levels were almost similar in all the
groups and the differences were not statistically significant. The mean serum levels of potassium ion
were significantly (p<0.001) lower in gentamicin treated group and (p<0.05) in gentamicin treated group
after ashwagandha treatment in comparison to that of baseline control group. But this level of gentamicin
treated group after ashwagandha treatment was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of gentamicin
treated group. Initial body weight was almost similar and no significant difference of this value was
observed among the groups. Whereas, the final body weight was significantly (p<0.001) lower in gentamicin
treated control group and in gentamicin treated group after ashwagandha treatment than that of baseline
control group. Again this level of gentamicin treated group after ashwagandha treatment was significantly
(p<0.05) higher in comparison to that of gentamicin treated control group. The kidney weight was
significantly (p<0.01) higher in gentamicin treated control group when compared to that of baseline
control and gentamicin treated group after ashwagandha treatment. Whereas, kidney weight of gentamicin
treated group after ashwagandha treatment and of baseline control group was almost similar and showed
no statistically significant difference of this value between this two groups. Conclusion: Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) root extract may have some role in maintaining some of the serum electrolyte levels
within normal limit, which indicates its nephroprotective effects against gentamicin induced toxicity.
Description
Keywords
Electrolytes, Ashwagandha, Gentamicin
Citation
Shimmi Sadia Choudhury, Jahan Nasim, Sultana Nayma. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract Against Gentamicin Induced Changes of Serum Electrolytes in Rats. Journal of Bangladesh Society of Physiologists. 2012 June; 7(1): 29-35.