Comparative Nephroprotective Effect of Turmeric Essential Oil (Curcuma longa) and Losartan on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxic Experimental Rats

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Gentamicin is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic, but its use is limited because it can cause kidney damage. This condition is marked by increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels along with tubular necrosis. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, essential oil contains strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect the kidneys. This study aimed to assess and compare the kidney protective effects of turmeric essential oil (TEO) at two doses with losartan in rats with gentamicin-induced kidney injury. Methods & Materials: The study was carried out at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2019 to June 2020. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was used to study the efficacy of TEO (50 and 100 mg/kg) and losartan (10 mg/kg). Statistical analysis of serum creatinine, BUN, and histopathological studies were done by using SPSS version 26. Results: Group B showed a significant increase in serum creatinine (1.38±0.05 vs 0.89±0.045 mg/dl) and BUN (47.00±2.16 vs 14.2±1.44 mg/dl) compared to Group A. Both doses of TEO (Groups C and D) significantly lowered these markers compared to Group B (p<0.05). Group D (100 mg/kg) achieved a greater reduction (creatinine: 1.10±0.03; BUN: 20.34±2.35 mg/dl), which was similar to Group C (p>0.05). Group E (losartan) showed some reduction but was significantly less effective than both TEO doses (p<0.05). Histopathologically, Group B had severe tubular necrosis and inflammatory infiltration. The TEO-treated groups showed only focal degeneration. Conclusion: Both turmeric essential oil and losartan show a dose-dependent ability to protect the kidneys. Turmeric essential oil was more effective than losartan in reducing gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats. This finding calls for more research to translate these results.