Pharmacological Evaluation of Leaves Extract of Cedrus deodara on Lead Acetate Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats
Background: The kidneys are highly susceptible to chemical-induced injury due to their substantial blood supply and solute-concentrating role. This study evaluated the protective efficacy of the methanolic leaf extract of Cedrus deodara against lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group 1 served as the normal control. Group 2 (disease control) received lead acetate (60 mg/kg p.o.) daily for 4 weeks. Groups 3 and 4 concurrently received lead acetate alongside C. deodara extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively. Group 5 received standard EDTA (50 mg/kg p.o.). On day 29, serum biomarkers (blood urea, BUN, creatinine, and inorganic phosphorus) were quantified, and renal tissues underwent histopathological examination. Results: Lead acetate administration caused severe renal impairment, significantly increasing blood urea (24.33± 2.160 mg/dl, serum creatinine (1.840±0.03742 mg/dl, and inorganic phosphorus (15.68±0.3189 mg/dl compared to normal controls (p < 0.001). Histopathology confirmed severe tubular necrosis, hemorrhage, and marked lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Co-treatment with C. deodara significantly reversed these biochemical changes (p < 0.001). While both plant doses normalized creatinine and urea comparably (p > 0.999), the 500 mg/kg dose showed superior efficacy in reducing inorganic phosphorus (8.520±0.4105 mg/dl over the 250mg/kg dose (p< 0.001). Histopathologically, the treated groups showed an "almost recovered" pyelonephritis profile with minimal tubular lesions. Conclusion: The methanolic leaf extract of Cedrus deodara exhibits potent nephroprotective activity against lead-induced toxicity. It effectively normalizes key renal clearance biomarkers and preserves microstructural tissue integrity, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic option.