Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Pulp on Alloxan Induced Kidney Toxicity in Male Adult Wistar Rats

Nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes, managed with both orthodox and herbal remedies. Cucumis sativus is a creeping plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its edible fruits possess diverse pharmacological activities. This study investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of cucumis sativus pulp (EECSP) on alloxan induced renotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 170-190g were purchased and acclimatized for 2 weeks and afterwards grouped into 6 groups (A-F) of 5 rats each. Group A (Control) received distilled water and rat feed ad libitum . Diabetes was induced in Groups B, C, D, and E with consequent renotoxicity using a single intraperitoneal injection of 150mg/kg of Alloxan after an overnight fast. Group C, D and E were afterwards treated with 100, 250 and 500mg/kg of ethanolic extract of cucumis sativus pulp respectively. Group F received 500mg/kg of EECSP. Extract administration was oral and once daily for 28days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected via ocular puncture and sera separated for kidney function test. The animals were sacrificed and their kidneys collected, and prepared for light microscopy. Results showed that treatment with EECSP caused a dose dependent restoration of kidney architecture and renal functions when compared with untreated alloxan group that showed severe distortions in renal architecture and higher than normal serum urea and creatinine levels. Ethanolic extract of cucumis sativus pulp thus caused a dose dependent ameliorative effect on alloxan induced diabetic nephropathy in adult male Wistar rats. Keywords : Nephropathy, diabetes, Cucumis sativus , alloxan DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-4-02