The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of curcumin (CUR) and curcumin nanoparticles (CURNPs) as antioxidants on the nephrotoxicity induced by lead (Pb). CUR (60 mg/kg b.w) and CURNPs (30 mg/kg b.w) were evaluated using Pb (30 mg/kg b.w.) induced oxidative renal damage in rats. Administration of Pb significantly (p<0.001) increased the levels of renal function test such as creatinine (CRN) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid (UA). Furthermore, Pb significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities (p<0.001). CUR and CURNPs displayed a renal protective effect as evident by significant decrease in CRN, BUN, UA levels and elevated the antioxidant status of renal tissues. The administration of Pb also induced histopathological changes in renal tissue; however, in groups treated by CUR and CURNPs, there was amelioration in pathological changes in renal tissue. These findings suggest that Nano CUR could be a potential compound in combating the oxidative damage of renal tissue as it increases curcumin bioavailability.