title: Protective effect of the methanolic leaf extract of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae) against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Eclipta alba, also known as Eclipta prostrata, is a weed of the family Asteraceae found in tropical and subtropical regions widely used in herbal medicine, including treatment of renal diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of the methanolic leaf extract of Eclipta alba on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of gentamicin (80mg/kg/day for seven days). Quercetin was used as a positive control. The nephroprotective activity was evaluated by determining blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urinary microprotein, renal catalase and malondialdehyde levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The extract protected the rat kidneys against gentamicin-induced renal tubular alterations and rises in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and microprotein levels. Lipid peroxidation and decrement in catalase levels were also ameliorated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study revealed the protective effect of the methanolic leaf extract of E. alba and suggests that the probable mechanism for the nephroprotection by the extract may be due to its good radical scavenging activity and Fe(3+) ion-reducing ability.
authors.affiliation: The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., Manila 1015, Philippines. Electronic address: ninadungca@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Niña Theresa P
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Dungca
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D036601:Eclipta; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; D003404:Creatinine; D002374:Catalase; D000432:Methanol
keywords: Eclipta alba; Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity; Protective activity; Reactive oxygen species