318-324Ayurveda has given prime importance to Mutravaha srotas (urinary system) and Srotogata vikaras (urinary disorders). Acharyas of Ayurveda has described many aspects of Mutravaha srotasa (urinary system) and described diseases pertaining to it. Mulaka (Raphanus sativus Linn.) belongs to family Brasicassea, traditionally being used in kidney disorders. Mulaka was firstly introduced in Charak Samhita and used for urinary system related problems. Hence, present study was planned with an aim to prove the traditional claims on Ayurvedic formulations of Mulaka i.e., powder of Mulaka panchanga and Mulaka kshara. Mulaka panchanga (450 and 900 mg/kg) and Mulaka kshara (90 and 180 mg/kg) were evaluated for nephroprotective activity by using cisplatin (5 mg/kg, ip) –induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Cisplatin increases the levels of blood urea, uric acid and serum creatinine which suggest the kidney damage in rats. Cisplatin–induced the hepatotoxicity was confirmed by increase in the level of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin with increase in the level of serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Both formulations reversed the serum biochemical parameters and urine creatinine levels with an increase in the urine volume. Further, powder of Mulaka panchanga and Mulaka kshara, attenuated the level of free radicals with concomitantly increase in antioxidant parameters in kidney tissue homogenate and thus, protect the kidney cytoarchitecture in histopathological study. The result of present study indicates that Mulaka panchanga and Mulaka kshara both having nephroprotective and antioxidant properties in dose dependent manner in cisplatin–induced nephrotoxicity in rats
