Evaluation of anti-fibrotic activity of ethanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera gaertn. Seed against doxorubicin and unilateral ureter obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. Abstract Objective. The study were undertaken to evaluate anti-fibrotic activity of ethanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera seed (NNSEE) against doxorubicin and Unilateral Ureter Obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. Materials and method. Animals were divided into five groups with six animals in each group, i.e. Normal, Positive

more »

... rol, Standard (Pirfenidone 200mg/kg), Test-I (NNSEE 200mg/kg), and Test-II (NNSEE 400mg/kg). Renal fibrosis was developed by doxorubicin and UUO-induced methods. After induction of renal fibrosis, profibrotic responses in biochemical parameters were observed, e.g. BUN, serum creatinine levels were elevated, while total protein and GFR levels decreased. Antioxidant (SOD and CAT) levels are also attenuates and hyalinized glomeruli cells, damage to tubular cells were noted in histopathology, which are all responsible for the development of renal fibrosis. Results. The result showed that the anti-fibrotic activity of NNSEE at a dose of 200 and 400mg/kg b.wt was comparable with the standard treatment 200mg/kg b.wt of pirfenidone (anti-fibrotic drug). These data supplemented with histopathological studies of rat kidney sections. NNSEE had reversed all the manifestation of renal fibrosis. Conclusion. Results of the study indicate that the NNSEE has potent anti-fibrotic activity, as well as antioxidant property, in dose dependent manner that may be due to the presence of major phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, polyphenols. Traditionally using the Nelumbo nucifera plant, which also has the nephroprotective property, especially the seeds having anti-fibrotic property has not been scientifically proved todate. Therefore, based on the phytochemical constituents present in Nelumbo nucifera seed, an attempt was made in the presented study to evaluate the anti-fibrotic activity against doxorubicin and UUO-induced renal fibrosis, which show a more potent therapeutic efficacy than the present use of anti-fibrotic drugs.