Nephroprotective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Solanum nigrum (Mako) and its Fractions on Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Renal failure is an emerging problem worldwide and it is defined as the presence of renal parenchymal damage. Its manifestations are abnormal albumin excretion or decreased kidney function. Solanum nigrum L. (Mako), ‘Black Nightshade’, belongs to the family Solanaceae known in Unani medicine for its nephroprotective activity, especially in renal disease, as the berries are used to treat many renal ailments including renal failure. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of the berries of Mako on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of six animals in each. Group I served as the control, group II the toxicant group (cisplatin only), group III included the methanolic extract of Mako, group IV petrol soluble fraction of ME, group V chloroform soluble fraction of ME, group VI water soluble fraction of ME, and group VII the water soluble fraction of ME. All groups except for control group received a single dose of cisplatin 7 mg/kg injection on the 4th day, and test drugs were co-administered from day 1 to day 7. On the 8th day, samples were collected for the analysis of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and for histopathological examination of renal tissues. Results: Results were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test. It was revealed that the ME of Mako and its fractions significantly reduced the rise in BUN and serum creatinine levels caused by cisplatin. The histopathological analysis also showed the protective nature of Mako in the nephrotoxic modules. Conclusion: Hence, the biochemical parameters and histopathological results affirmed the nephroprotective effect of the berries of the Mako against cisplatin-induced renal damage.