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

Phytochemicals have been reported to be present in fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs. These phytochemicals have antioxidant properties as they scavenge free radicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate histological changes in the kidney of rats induced by cypermethrin and to evaluate the protective role of jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extracts. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups - Group A: Control; Group B: cypermethrin (CYP); Group C: cypermethrin and jamun seed extract (CYP+JSE); Group D: cypermethrin and orange peel extract (CYP+OPE); Group E: orange peel extract (OPE); Group F: jamun seed extract (JSE). The cypermethrin dose was 25 mg/ kg body wt/day whereas orange peel and jamun seed extract dose was 200 mg/kg body wt/day. For light and electron mocroscopical studies, kidney were fixed on 15 and 30 day following the treatment. In 15 day CYP (group B) treated rats kidney exhibited shrunken glomeruli, dilated tubules, hypertrophy of epithelial cells of proximal and distal tubules, obliterated tubular lumina and necrosis of kidney tubules. In CYP+JSE (group C) and CYP+OPE (group D) treated rats for 15 day, the kidney exhibit changes similar to those as noticed in CYP exposed rats. Kidney of rats treated for 15 day with OPE (group E) and JSE (Group F) have not shown any remarkable histological change. The kidney of 30 day CYP (group B) treated rats revealed shrunken glomeruli, hypertrophy of the tubular epithelium leading to congestion of tubules, increased cellularity of glomeruli, dilated tubules, separation of epithelial cells from the underlying basement membrane, degenerated kidney tubules with necrotic nuclei in the lumina, severe tubular degeneration, degenerated glomeruli containing amorphous eosin-positive material and few renal tubular cells with foamy, vacuolated and ragged appearance. In CYP+JSE (group C) and CYP+OPE (group D) treated rats for 30 day the kidney displayed increased cellularity in the glomerulus thus decreasing the urinary space. In these groups shrunken glomeruli and degeneration of glomeruli are not visible. Tubular degeneration is noticed but no degenerated nuclei in tubular lumina are seen. In OPE (Group E) and JSE (group F) treated rats for 30 day no histological changes in kidney are seen. From the present study it can be concluded that CYP caused histological alterations in the kidney of rats. These alterations can be protected by providing OPE and JSE.