Objective: To determine the nephrotoxic effects of arsenic kushta (Kushta Sam-ul-Far) in Wistar rats.
Study design: Experimental study.
Place and duration of study: Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore from May to August 2014.
Methodology: This experimental study was conducted on 48 healthy Wistar rats, each weighing 200 - 250 grams. The rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups each containing 12 rats. Group I was taken as control given flour pellets. Group II was given single dose (180 mg/kg) of arsenic kushta for 2 weeks. Group III received 150 mg/kg of arsenic kushta for 12 weeks; whereas, group IV was also given 150 mg/kg of arsenic kushta for 12 weeks along with 75 mg of BSA (bovine serum albumin). Histopathological changes in glomeruli, tubules and interstitium were noted in the kidney.
Results: Mesangial proliferation, thickening of basement membrane, necrosis, and interstitial edema were mainly observed in all the above groups except group I which served as control. These changes were seen in greater severity in high dose groups and the group given BSA injection along with kushta (group III, IV).
Conclusion: Herbo-mineral preparations of arsenic kushta are nephrotoxic in rats and may have similar toxic effects in human beings.