Research Protocol for Assessment of Solitary and Combined effect of Guduchi and Punarnava on Structural and Functional Changes of Ageing in Liver and Kidney in Wistar Rats

Background: The liver and kidney play a central role in metabolic and detoxification processes leads to structural degeneration of organs with aging, which may hamper the functional ability of these organs. Acharya charaka suggests to use drugs of vayasthapana mahakashaya in different combinations to prevent ageing. Guduchi (Tinospora cardifolia) and punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are two drugs chosen to evaluate the solitary and combined effect on structural and functional changes in liver and kidney of Wistar rat.

Materials and Methods: After identification and phytochemical study of test drugs, the 32 healthy, male rats of 18 months will be divided into four different groups, with eight rats in each group. 1st to 4th group will receive distilled water, guduchi kwath, punarnava kwath, guduchi and punarnava kwath respectively for 30 consecutive days at the rate of 8.1ml/kg dose, orally. Before administration of control drug and test drug blood sample assessment will be done for LFT, KFT, and SOD level. The same investigation will be repeated after one month trial period. Then after 60 days,120 days and 180 days, two animals from each group will be sacrificed, organs such as liver and kidney will be extracted and preserved for histopathological study, and blood samples will be collected for investigation. The remaining animals will be returned to the animal house for their reuse.

Expected Results: Guduchi and punarnava may provide strength to liver and kidney and thus helpful in delaying degenerative changes of organs.