Indian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Page: 152-160

Background: Gentamicin is a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic associated with nephrotoxicity due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Natural flavonoids have shown potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may mitigate such renal damage.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity, renoprotective efficacy, and histopathological effects of three natural flavonoids quercetin, rutin, and apigenin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
Materials and Methods: Acute oral toxicity of quercetin, rutin, and apigenin was assessed in Wistar rats at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. Nephrotoxicity was induced using gentamicin (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 7 days. Treatment groups received flavonoids at 50 mg/kg orally. Renal function markers (serum creatinine and urea), oxidative stress parameters, and histopathological changes were evaluated.
Results: Flavonoids were found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg with no mortality or adverse effects. Gentamicin caused significant elevations in serum creatinine, urea, and oxidative stress markers, along with tubular necrosis, glomerular thickening, and inflammation. Flavonoid treatment, especially with quercetin, significantly improved biochemical parameters and histological architecture, indicating renal protection and tissue regeneration.
Conclusion: Quercetin, rutin, and apigenin exhibited dose-dependent renoprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Quercetin showed the highest efficacy, highlighting its therapeutic potential in managing drug-induced nephrotoxicity.