Chrysanthemum indicum

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum against Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Nephroprotective activity was studied in male Wistar Albino rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by Cisplatin at a dose of 6mg/kg i.p., on day 1. Nephroprotector activity of the ethanol extract was tested at two dose levels i.e., 250mg and 500mg/kg body weight. Nephroprotector activity was assessed by determination of serum marker levels, urinary functional parameters and lipid peroxidation activity (LPO) in kidney homogenate. Histological studies were conducted. In the present study, Cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity was characterized by significant elevation of serum markers levels, increased urinary protein excretion, raised LPO levels, reduced creatinine clearance. Extract of flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum had significantly prevented the renal injury by decreasing the levels of serum total proteins, urinary total proteins, lipid peroxidation levels and increasing the creatinine clearance. Histological studies substantiated the above results. Significant nephroprotective activity of ethanol extract of flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum may be due to its antioxidant properties and the effect was dose dependent. The present study provides the corroborative scientific evidence for the folklore use of Chrysanthemum indicum in urinary troubles.