Paracetamol (PCM) is a commonly used analgesic antipyretic drug. Overdose can lead to nephrotoxicity and other organ damage. The study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of methanolic extract of Elsholtzia blanda Benth.(MEEB) in paracetamol induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats models. 30 albino rats were divided into 5 groups of six animals each. Study was conducted for 7 days and drugs were administered orally as : Group I- normal saline; II- PCM 2g/kg on day 7; III- silymarin 25mg/kg+PCM as in group II; IV- 200mg/kg of MEEB+PCM as in group II; V- 400mg/kg of MEEB+ PCM as in group II. Pretreatment with the plant extract could prevent the PCM induced renal damage as evidenced by the significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum creatinine and urea levels. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum albumin levels as compared to the toxic control group. Histopathological examination also showed less structural damage in the kidneys of extract treated animals. In conclusion, Elsholtzia blanda has a nephroprotective effect which could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
