ABSTRACT

In the present work an attempt has been made to analyze quantitatively the content of vitexin in Oxalis corniculata leaves and its protective activity on gentamicin and cisplatin induced nephrotic damage in albino rats. Vitexin is 8-beta-D glucopyranosyl apigenin found commonly in Oxalis corniculata, a plant of good repute in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The HPTLC analysis data indicated that the collected Oxalis corniculata leaves contain 289.8 mg/g of vitexin. The leaf methanolic extract of O. corniculata (OCLM) as well as vitexin showed significant protection on gentamicin and cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Both OCLM and vitexin produced significant scavenging effect upon hydroxyl, lipid peroxide and superoxide, free radicals. OCLM showed better diuretic effect as compared to vitexin.