Effect of Picroliv on cadmium-induced hepatic and renal damage in the rat.

The therapeutic efficacy of Picroliv--a standardized extract of Picrorhiza kurroa--was investigated in male rats exposed to CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg, sc), 5 days/week for 18 weeks. Picroliv at two doses (6 and 12 mg/kg, po) was given to the cadmium (Cd)-administered group for the last 4 weeks (i.e., weeks 15-18). The Cd altered oxidative stress indices, such as increased lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity, reduced levels of non-protein sulphydryls (NPSHs), and Na+K+ATPase activity in the liver and kidney were found close to the control values by Picroliv treatment, suggesting its antioxidant potential. The hepatoprotective action of Picroliv was evident by its ability to lower the Cd-induced liver function parameters--the serum enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bile flow and biliary Cd also increased as a result of Picroliv's choleretic property. The Cd-induced serum urea and urinary excretion of proteins, calcium (Ca), Cd and enzymes, such as N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and LDH, were less marked on Picroliv treatment, indicating recovery from nephrotoxicity. Organ uptake of Cd and essential metals by Cd exposure was reduced on Picroliv treatment. Cd-induced hepatic metallothionein (MT) was lowered by Picroliv, whereas renal MT was unaltered. Cd-induced hepatic damage was also minimized. However, the renal morphological changes were marginally protected by Picroliv. The 12-mg Picroliv dose was more effective than the 6-mg dose in causing amelioration of the above parameters. This study has provided clear evidence for the hepato- and renal protective efficacy of Picroliv against experimental Cd toxicity.