Immunopharmacological studies of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum Cassia (CCAq). II. Effect of CCAq on experimental glomerulonephritis.

Abstract

Effect of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum Cassia (CCAq) on experimental glomerulonephritis was studied and compared with that of cobra venom factor (CoVF). In rat nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis, CCAq clearly inhibited the excretion of protein into the urine and the increase of peripheral leucocyte counts. The histological score in CCAq administered animals was significantly lower than that in control animals. However, CCAq did not inhibit or lower the serum complement level. Contrary to CCAq, hypocomplementation was observed by the administration of CoVF, and the excretion of protein into urine was inhibited in a high dose group. In immune complex (IC) and autologous IC nephritis in rats, CCAq clearly inhibited the excretion of protein into urine and the elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The administration of CoVF caused hypocomplementation, but little inhibition of the excretion of urinary protein was observed in both types of immune complex nephritis. The histological score was slightly inhibited by a low dose of CCAq and a high dose of CoVF. In the experiment employing NZB/NZW F1 mice, the proteinurea, the elevation of BUN level, and the production of antibodies were clearly inhibited by the administration of CCAq. Similar inhibition was observed by CoVF at a high dose. However, the histological changes of the kidney in NZB/NZW F1 mice were not prevented by the administration of CCAq or CoVF.