Nephroprotective effect of Swadamstradi Ghana: A dried aqueous decoction of Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation on gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a major global health concern, projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is known to cause nephrotoxicity in up to 55% of cases. Swadamstradi Ghana (SG) is a traditional formulation believed to support renal health, though its nephroprotective potential has not yet been scientifically established. METHODS: Nephrotoxicity was induced in Wistar albino rats through gentamicin administration (100 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 10 days. Animals ( n = 6 per group) were divided into six groups: Group I (normal control), Group II (gentamicin only), Groups III and IV (gentamicin + SG at 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively), Group V (gentamicin + Cystone 270 mg/kg as reference), and Group VI (prophylactic group receiving SG 300 mg/kg before gentamicin). Renal function was assessed through serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathology. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance with Dunnett’s post hoc test ( P < 0.05). RESULTS: Gentamicin significantly elevated creatinine (3 ± 1.4 mg/dL), BUN (153.85 ± 12.91 mg/dL), and MDA (183279.91 ± 9052.51 µmol/L). Treatment with SG (300 mg/kg) reduced creatinine to 0.46 ± 0.08 mg/dL, BUN to 30.39 ± 1.46 mg/dL, and MDA to 119423.07 ± 2823.73 µmol/L ( P < 0.05). Histopathology showed reduced tubular damage and preserved glomerular architecture in treated and prophylactic groups. CONCLUSION: SG exhibited dose-dependent nephroprotective effects, significantly improving biochemical markers and renal histology against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, supporting its traditional use in kidney health management.