PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA ROOT AGAINST GENTAMICIN-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN MICE

Background: Gentamicin is a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic, but its clinical usefulness is limited by nephrotoxicity. Oxidative stress, free radical generation, and tubular necrosis are major contributors to gentamicin-induced renal injury. Moringa oleifera (family: Moringaceae) possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective phytoconstituents. The present study evaluates the nephroprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera root (EEMO) in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Methods: Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups (n=6). Group I received distilled water. Group II received gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days. Group III received EEMO (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days + gentamicin. Group IV received standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg). Serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were estimated. Kidney tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. Results: Gentamicin significantly increased serum urea (121.42 ± 4.18 mg/dL), creatinine (2.15 ± 0.08 mg/dL), uric acid (6.82 ± 0.24 mg/dL), and BUN (98.17 ± 3.21 mg/dL) compared to normal mice (p<0.001). Pretreatment with EEMO markedly restored renal parameters toward normal, demonstrating significant nephroprotection. Histopathology revealed reduced tubular necrosis, inflammation, and glomerular damage in the EEMO group. Conclusion: The ethanolic root extract of Moringa oleifera confers significant nephroprotection against gentamicin-induced renal injury in mice, likely due to its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing phytoconstituents.