Role of Asgand [Withania somniferd] in cadmium chloride induced nephrotoxicity in Rats

Asgand consists of roots of Withania somnifera [Family: Solanaceae], a well-famed drug in Indian system of medicine especially Unani and Ayurveda. The similarity in the restorative properties of Asgand and ginseng roots has led to Asgand being named as [Indian ginseng] Crude powder of Asgand was studied in rats for their ability to inhibit the nephrotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride. Cadmium is a well-known toxicant with the reported effect in mammal kidney tissue [Friberg, 1959, Funakoshi et al, 1995, Srivastava et al, 1996]. Crude powder of Asgand [Withania somnifera] significantly inhibited the toxicity produced by Cadmium chloride