RESUMO
The protective effects of Curcuma aromatica leaf extract were studied on nehrotoxicity induced by arsenic trioxide in albino rats. LD50 estimated for arsenic trioxide was 14.98 mg kg-1 body weight. Nephrotoxicity was assessed by estimating the serum levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine, the markers of renal dysfunctioning. The applied doses of arsenic trioxide administered orally were 0.007 , 0.01 , 0.02 and 0.15 mg 100 g-1 body weight for sub acute (21,14 and 7 days) and acute (1 day) treatments respectively. Arsenic trioxide intoxication significantly increased the serum level of urea, uric acid and creatinine in comparison to control due to renal dysfunctioning. Pretreatment with dose of 50 mg kg-1 body weight of leaf extract of Curcuma aromatica restored the increased serum levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine to normal. The results reveal that Curcuma aromatica leaf extract has a potential to modulate the renal dysfunctioning caused by arsenic trioxide.