Protective effect of Solanum torvum on monosodium glutamate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the protective effect of <em>Solanum torvum</em> on Monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats received MSG (1000 mg/kilogram, per oral) followed by methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of <em>S.torvum</em> (100 & 300 mg/kg, p.o.) respectively for 14 days. Percentage change in body weight, relative organ weight of liver and kidney, liver function tests, kidney function tests and histopathological studies of liver and kidney tissues were observed in rats. <em>In vitro</em> antioxidant activity of <em>S.torvum</em> extracts was also performed. The results were analysed by One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. The msg-treated group showed significant (p <0.05) increase in percentage change in body weight, relative organ weight of liver and kidney and lipid peroxidation, a significant decrease in SOD activity in liver and kidney tissue and a significant change in hepatic and renal marker enzymes, as compared to control group. While treatment with <em>S. torvum </em>extracts ameliorated the effects induced by MSG group. Total flavonoid content of methanolic & hydroalcoholic extract of <em>S. torvum</em> was found to be 44±1.2&32±0.8µg of rutin equivalent/mg of extract and total phenolic content was found to be 70±0.28 & 52±0.62 µg of gallic acid equivalent/mg of extract respectively. <em>In vivo</em> and <em>In vitro</em> antioxidant studies of both extracts showed that methanolic extract has more hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and anti-oxidant property than the hydroalcoholic extract of <em>S.torvum </em>fruits. It is concluded that <em>S.torvum</em> extract has a protective effect against MSG-induced hepatic and renal toxicity.