Hepato and Nephro protective potentials of lyophilized juice of Citrus reticulata L. fruit against paracetamol induced toxicity in rats.

This study scrutinized the phytochemical composition, curative, hepato and nephro protective effect of different doses of lyophilized juice of Citrus reticulata fruit against paracetamol induced toxicity. Phytochemical screening and RP-HPLC analysis were conducted to quantify total polyphenols and flavonoids respectively. For evaluation of in vivo curative and protective effects, thirty six rats were randomly divided into six groups. In first four groups 1, II, III and IV paracetamol 75mg/kg, i.p, 150mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg p.o doses of lyophilized juice were administered to rats respectively. Blood samples were withdrawn at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours in paracetamol treated rats. For screening of hepato and nephro protective effect Group V and VI were fed on lyophilized juice (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg p.o) for seven days and on 8th day blood samples were collected at 0,24,48 and 72 hours. Hepatic and renal biomarkers were monitored. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of total polyphenols (20.7±0.3GAEmg/g) and flavonoid contents (21.2±0.4QE mg/g). RP-HPLC also confirmed the presence of Myricetin, Quercetin and Kaempferol in fruit juice. The lyophilized juice at 500mg/kg dose have shown profound decrease in paracetamol induced elevated serum levels of liver and kidney functions, which suggests a possible therapeutic role of its constituents in hepatic and kidney malfunctions.