Dr. Ayushi Chourasia is a Veterinary Pharmacologist specializing in veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, with expertise in fluoride toxicity, oxidative stress, nephrotoxicity, molecular toxicology, and medicinal plant–based therapeutics. She holds a B.V.Sc. & A.H. and a Ph.D. from Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, and an M.V.Sc. from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), where she was awarded the Gold Medal for academic excellence. Her research focuses on phytotherapeutic interventions against toxicant-induced organ damage, particularly using molecular biomarkers such as Nrf2 and Kim-1. Dr. Chourasia has authored several peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and books, and has received multiple national awards, including the Dr. A.M. Thaker Young Scientist Award for Women and the Best M.V.Sc. Thesis Award. She has also completed an international academic training program at Novosibirsk State Agricultural University, Russia, where she delivered a guest lecture. Her research interests include veterinary toxicology, oxidative stress, herbal therapeutics, molecular biomarkers, and translational approaches to animal health.    

Renoprotective Effects of Tamarindus indica Extract Through Modulation of Nrf2 and Kim-1 Expression in Sodium Fluoride-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats Fluoride is an essential trace element; however, chronic exposure to excessive fluoride through contaminated drinking water poses a significant health risk to both humans and animals. Oxidative stress is recognised as a principal mechanism underlying fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity. The present study evaluated the renoprotective potential of Tamarindus indica extract against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced renal damage in rats, with special emphasis on the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1).Rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Group I (Control); Group II (NaF, 100 ppm in drinking water for 56 days); Group III (NaF + Tamarindus indica extract, 200 mg/kg body weight orally); and Group IV (NaF + ascorbic acid, 100 mg/kg body weight orally). Blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while renal ultrasonography was performed at the end of the experiment. Antioxidant enzyme activities and renal protein expression of Nrf2 and Kim-1 were evaluated. Sodium fluoride exposure significantly altered serum and urine biochemical parameters, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, and induced structural abnormalities in the kidney. Administration of Tamarindus indica extract and ascorbic acid significantly ameliorated these alterations. Protein expression analysis demonstrated restoration of renal Nrf2 expression in treatment groups compared with the NaF-treated group, indicating activation of endogenous antioxidant defence pathways. In contrast, NaF markedly increased Kim-1 expression, reflecting renal injury, whereas treatment with Tamarindus indica extract significantly reduced Kim-1 expression, indicating attenuation of kidney damage. Tamarindus indica extract effectively protected against sodium fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant defences through activation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway and reducing renal injury as evidenced by decreased Kim-1 expression. These findings suggest that Tamarindus indica possesses significant nephroprotective potential and may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent for mitigating fluoride-induced renal toxicity in veterinary and biomedical settings. Keywords: Tamarindus indica extract, fluoride toxicity, nephrotoxicity, Nrf2, Kim-1, oxidative stress, fluorosis, renal protection.