Possible positive effect of gum Arabic against the toxicity of the drug furosemide on newborn rats

Abstract

Medicinal plants received special attention due to their biological and medicinal activities, aspects of safety in their use, and low cost. This study aimed to prove gum Arabic (GA) extract’s preventive and therapeutic role against furosemide toxicity. Moreover, histological findings, renal functions, and the level of MDA and GSH in the serum and kidney tissues of newborn rats were assessed. Thirty pregnant rats were divided into six groups (n = 5 per group). The first group is the control group, with no treatment. The second is the GA group, administered 15% w/v GA in drinking water daily from conception day 0 until the end of pregnancy. The third group is the furosemide group; furosemide (20 mg/k, ip) was taken daily from conception day 0 until the end of pregnancy. The fourth group is the protective group (preventive group); GA was taken daily (15% w/v in drinking water) from conception day 0 to day 10, followed by furosemide (20 mg/kg, ip) daily until the end of pregnancy. The fifth group is the therapeutic group; furosemide (20 mg/kg, ip) was taken daily from conception day 0 to day 10, followed by GA (15% w/v in drinking water) daily until the end of pregnancy. The sixth group is the mixed group; GA and furosemide were administered together from conception day 0 until the end of pregnancy