Modulatory Effect of Ficus racemosa: Diminution of Potassium Bromate‐Induced Renal Oxidative Injury and Cell Proliferation Response

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the potential beneficial effects of Ficus racemosa extract. Potassium bromate (KBrO3), a potent nephrotoxic agent that induces renal carcinogenesis and acts as tumour promoter in carcinogen-initiated animals was used as a model to induce renal injury. In this study, we show the chemopreventive effect of Ficus racemosa extract (Moraceae) on KBrO3-mediated renal oxidative stress and cell promotion response in rats. KBrO3 (125 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhanced lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation with reduction in renal glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes. KBrO3 treatment also induced tumour promotion markers, viz., ornithine decarboxylase activity and thymidine [3H] incorporation into renal DNA. A sharp elevation in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine has also been observed. Treatment of rats orally with Ficus racemosa extract (200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in xanthine oxidase (P<0.05), lipid peroxidation (P<0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P<0.001) and H(2O2 (P<0.001). There was significant recovery of renal glutathione content (P<0.01) and antioxidant enzymes (P<0.001). There was also reversal in the enhancement of renal ornithine decarboxylase activity, DNA synthesis, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (P<0.001). Our results suggest that Ficus racemosa extract is a potent chemopreventive agent and suppresses KBrO3-mediated nephrotoxicity in rats.