Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Centella asiatica L. Possesses Nephroprotection in an Animal Model of Nephrotoxicity

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a significant adverse effect of gentamicin, which is thought to be related to reactive oxygen species in the kidney. The purpose of this study was to look at how gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats was affected by a leaf extract from Centella asiatica L. Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar rats were divided into following groups: normal saline, gentamicin group injected with gentamicin sulfate (100 mg/kg, i.p) for 8 days, Centella asiatica L. groups administered with ethanolic leaf extract (200 mg and 400 mg/kg, p.o) daily for 8 days concurrently with gentamicin. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, urea, blood urea nitrogen, urea, serum, and urine creatinine were measured. Results: The administration of gentamicin resulted in nephrotoxicity as evidenced by significant elevations in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urea as well as urine creatinine and urea. Interestingly, the ethanolic leaf extract of Centella asiatica decreased these indicators, minimizing the degree of gentamicin-induced kidney impairment. In rats administered with gentamicin, histopathological analysis revealed epithelial loss along with severe granular degeneration, and Centella asiatica leaf extract restored morphological changes in the kidney. Conclusion: This study has shown that gentamicin-induced kidney damage can be prevented by using a leaf extract from the Centella asiatica plant.