Nephroprotective Effect of Pterocarpus indicus Willd. Leaves : Observation of Urine Volume, Sodium and Potassium Levels in Gentamicin-induced Rat Model

Introduction: Kidney disease is a common disease worldwide. The leaves from Pterocarpus indicus Willd. is alternatively applied for prevention therapy of patients with kidney diseases. Objective: The aim of this study to demonstrate the scientific nephroprotective effect of water-boiled P. indicus leaves evaluated from urine volume, sodium and potassium levels. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five treatment groups; group I (control), group II (gentamicin-induced 80 mg/kg i.p from day 15 to 21), and group III to V (induced; variated doses respectively 28.8 mg/kg; 57,6 mg/kg; and 115,2 mg/kg bw which was given for 21 days orally as single doses). Nephroprotective effects were observed as abnormal from levels of urinary volume. Results: Obtained results on sodium and potassium levels show the group given the highest dose (115,2 mg/kg) resulted in decreased sodium levels and increased levels of urinary potassium as well as having a significant difference (p<0,05) to the induction group. Observed 24-hour urine volume, however, did not show any significant signs of nephroprotective effects. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the leaves of P.indicus have potential nephroprotective properties.

Key words: Pterocarpus indicus, Gentamicin, Potassium, Sodium, Urine volume, Nephroprotective.