Protective effects of jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extracts against lead-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

<p><span>The present study investigated histological changes in the kidney of lead treated rats and also evaluated role of jamun (<em>Syzygium cumini</em>) seed and orange (<em>Citrus sinensis</em>) peel extracts in protecting the kidney from lead toxicity. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, Group A: Control; Group B: Lead (Pb); Group C: Lead and jamun seed extract (Pb+JSE); Group D: Lead + orange peel extract (Pb+OPE); Group E: Orange peel extract (OPE); Group F: Jamun seed extract (JSE). The lead dose was 50 mg/kg body weight (b wt) whereas orange peel and jamun seed extract dose was 200 mg/kg b wt/day. Kidneys were fixed on 15 and 30 day following the treatment. 15 day Pb (Group B) treated rats exhibited shrunken glomeruli while 30 day Pb treated rats revealed tubular degeneration, and glomerular hypertrophy. In Pb+ JSE (Group C) and Pb+OPE (Group D) treated rats for 15 day and 30 day, the kidney exhibits changes similar to those as noticed in Pb exposed rats but to a lesser extent. Kidney of rats treated for 15 and 30 day with Group E (OPE) and Group F (JSE) have not shown any remarkable histological change. The present study clearly indicates that histological structure of kidney can be altered adversely by lead. Also, the present study revealed that lead toxicity to kidney can be protected by supplementation with extracts of jamun seed and orange peel.</span></p>