Exploring the protective effects of Eleusine indica (Indian goosegrass) against nephrotoxicity

Researchers at the University of Yaounde in Cameroon investigated the preventive effects of Eleusine indica (Indian goosegrass) against L-NAME-induced kidney damage in rats. They reported their findings in an article published in The Journal of Phytopharmacology.

• E. indica is used in Cameroonian folk medicine to treat various illnesses, not least of which are renal problems.
• To examine its biological properties, the researchers first obtained E. indica aqueous extract (EIAE) and used it to treat rats with kidney damage.
• The rats were divided into five groups:
  • Group I (control), which received 0.9 percent saline via intraperitoneal injection (IP) and 10 mL/kg distilled water.
  • Group II (negative control), which received 30 mg/kg L-NAME via IP.
  • Group III (positive control), which received 12.5 mg/kg losartan and L-NAME injection.
  • Group IV, which received 100 mg/kg EIAE and L-NAME injection.
  • Group V, which received 200 mg/kg EIAE and L-NAME injection.
• After 60 days of treatment, the researchers measured the animals’ blood pressure, lipid profile and kidney and oxidative stress parameters.
• They found that L-NAME significantly elevated blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels while significantly reducing HDL cholesterol.
• Nephrotoxicity was evident due to significant elevation in serum levels of creatinine, urea and potassium, plus significant reduction of sodium and GFR compared to controls.
• Catalase, GSH and nitrites were also significantly decreased in L-NAME injected groups.
• EIAE treatment prevented the rise in blood pressure and improved the lipid profile, kidney function and antioxidant defenses of L-NAME injected rats.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that E. indica can protect against nephrotoxicity and L-NAME-induced kidney failure, as well as prevent kidney damage through its antioxidant activity.

Journal Reference:

Tchoupou TH, Ngo Lemba ET, Ngueguim TF, Aboubakar BF, Njiaza J, Dimo T. PREVENTIVE EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF THE WHOLE PLANT OF ELEUSINE INDICA (LINN) GAERTN. (POACEAE) AGAINST L-NAME INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RAT. The Journal of Phytopharmacology. 2019;8(1):28-32