Assessment of active constituents and total flavonoids of Ammi majus plant extracts on immunological and kidney protective activities in mice

Abstract

The Ammi majus (Kella) plant is frequently used to cure various health issues. This study aimed to investigate the most important phytochemical compounds of Kella seeds and evaluate the effect of its aqueous and alcoholic extracts on CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in mice using a count of white blood cells (WBC) test and some biochemical markers for renal functions besides the histopathological study of kidney tissue. According to secondary metabolite analysis, the seeds contained tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols at varying levels depending on the solvent utilized. Regarding total flavonoids, the alcoholic extract showed the highest concentration (193.2±25.7 mg/g) compared to the aqueous extract (176.3±19.2 mg/g). The WBC count test in the in vivo study showed an improved immune system by increasing the number of WBCs in mice treated with plant extracts and reducing the toxic effects of the CCl4 compound compared with a negative control group. In the positive control group (treated mice with CCl4), the biochemical analysis and histological study of the kidney sections revealed that CCl4 causes nephrotoxicity through increasing urea and creatinine concentrations in the blood and lowering total protein content, as well as the formation of necrotic tissue in the kidney sections. In contrast, these markers decreased in groups of mice treated with plant extracts, particularly alcoholic extract. In conclusion, the A. majus plant can improve kidney function during CCl4 doses. Consequently, it could be a promising treatment for nephrotoxicity caused by certain drugs. Keywords: Ammi majus; kidney markers; nephrotoxicity