Ameliorative Effect of Galium Verum (Rubiaceae Family) Methanolic Extract on Folic Acid-induced Acute kidney Injury in Male Rats.

Abstract

Background: Antioxidant, sedative, anticancer, and antibacterial properties are among the numerous pharmacological characteristics of Galium verum. Aim: The primary goal of this research was to investigate the therapeutic effects of G. verum extract against folic acid-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Materials and methods: 18 male rats were assigned into three groups: Control, AKI, and G. verum. AKI was induced by a dose of folic acid (250 mg/kg, i.p.) while G. verum (250 mg/kg) was administrated for 7 consecutive days. Results: G. verum methanol extract contains flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, iridoids, triterpenes, steroids, phenols, and saponins, while it free of cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. G. verum extract significantly decreased levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, chloride, potassium, microalbumin, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide while it increased creatinine clearance, glutathione reduced, and catalase levels. Meanwhile, histological examination of the kidney’s tissues revealed apparently normal structure. Conclusions: Underlying renal therapeutic mechanisms of G. verum action include a diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of G. verum extract resulting in improving kidney structure and enhance recovery of renal function.