Background Cisplatin is extensively used in treating cancers, and its primary side-effect is nephrotoxicity. It accumulates in proximal convoluted tubules where it promotes cellular damage by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, etc. In Unani medicine, Tukhm-e - Karafs (Apium graveolens L.) (TK) is mentioned in the literature to manage various kidney ailments due to its diuretic and deobstruent activities. Objective To investigate the nephroprotective effects of powder of TK in Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an animal model and to validate the Unani claim of its nephroprotective action. Material and methods In curative protocol, cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p) was administered on day one and powder of TK (500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) from the sixth day onwards for ten days. TK (500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) was given for ten days and Cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p) on day 11 in the protective model. At the end of the study, all the animals were sacrificed, and renal biochemical parameters were determined. KIM-1 level was also investigated in the kidney homogenate in conjunction with histopathological inspection of kidney tissues. Results Significant increase in serum creatinine and BUN, presence of mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilation and vacuolation in renal histopathology, and increased KIM-1 level confirmed the nephrotoxicity due to Cisplatin. TK's administration protects the kidney as suggested by the changes in biochemical renal function, decreased level of KIM-1, and improvement in histopathological changes. Conclusion The result advocated that TK prevented renal injury and maintained normal renal function in both models. It may be due to improved clearance of Cisplatin from kidney tubules and reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the inflammatory response.

Respiratory illness is one of the most important public health problems in many countries worldwide. Even though most of the ailments are treatable with normal care, respiratory-related mortality continues to increase year after year. The global situation is deteriorating as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Numerous Unani formulations are beneficial against a variety of respiratory disorders, but they must be clinically researched before they can obtain widespread acceptance in the modern world. At the moment, no antiviral medication is either available for each respiratory disease or is costly and not easy to use in pandemics like COVID-19 on large scale, although Unani medicines may be considered an option. Khamira Banafsha (KB) is a semi-solid blend of three dried flowers, Viola odorata L., Borago officinalis L., and Rosa damascena Mill and the distillate of Rosa damascena, and sugar. The components in this formulation are well-known and frequently utilized in the treatment of respiratory problems.The formulation has been used to treat a wide range of illnesses for decades. This review will discuss the pharmacology, ethnopharmacology, and repurposing of KB as an adjuvant or symptomatic treatment for Covid-19 illness.The chemical composition of the ingredients may be evaluated In-silico to identify their eligibility for Covid-19 disease symptomatic management. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 04 October’22 Page : 883-892

Tukhme Karafs is the seed of Apium graveolens L., which is an important aromatic plant grown globally as a fresh herb and widely used as salad crop. This seed possesses potential pharmacological activity like hepatoprotective, diuretic and lithotriptic. The present study was designed to evaluate nephroprotective effect of Tukhme Karafs against gentamicin (80 mg/kg BW) induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The effect was tested at two dose levels i.e. 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg BW (calculated based on clinical dose mentioned in Unani literature). The study was divided into curative and protective models. The efficacy was determined based on estimation of biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, BUN and serum electrolytes) along with quantification of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) using ELISA method in kidney tissue homogenate and histopathological study of kidney tissue. The findings of the study showed that Tukhme Karafs at both tested doses showed prominent reduction of biochemical parameters as compared to negative control group in both models. KIM-1 reduction was observed but was not statistically significant in both the models. Histopathological changes showed that drugs have inhibited gentamicin induced injury in both models. These results confirm the nephroprotective effect of Tukhme Karafs.