Nephroprotective and Nitric oxide Scavenging Activity of Tubers of Momordica tuberosa in Rats.

Hydroalcoholic extract (70% ethanol extract) of tubers of Momordica tuberosa Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening by qualitative tests. Nitric oxide scavenging activity was performed by Griess reagent method. And nephroprotective activity was assessed in gentamicin, cisplatin and paracetamol induced renal damage in wistar rats (150-200 g) by standard methods. The protective property of 70% ethanol extract was assessed by measuring the levels of body weight, blood urea, serum creatinine, tissue glutathione and lipid peroxidation in administered doses. The extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity in dose dependant manner. And 100 µg/ml dose produced significantly higher scavenging activity than standard sodium metabisulphate at 25 µg/ml. Also, it significantly reduced the renal damage caused by cisplatin, gentamicin and paracetamol at a dose of 40 mg/kg.