Preventive Effects of Pimpinella anisum L. and Dracocephalum moldavica L. Hydroalcoholic Extract Against Acute Contrast-induced Nephropathy

Abstract

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is nephrotoxicity due to contrast media characterized by elevated serum creatinine levels. The formation of oxygen free radicals is one of the causes of CIN. Objective: Given the antioxidant properties of Pimpinella anisum L and Dracocephalum moldavica L, this study aimed to investigate the effects of their hydroalcoholic extracts on kidney tissue histopathology and CIN biochemical factors. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control, 2) contrast agent, 3) P. anisum+contrast agent, and 4) D. moldavica+contrast agent. After the tests, kidney tissue histopathological damages and related biochemical factors were evaluated. Results: Kidney tissue damage, levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), alanine aminotransferase (GPT/ALT) and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine (P<0.001), and malondialdehyde (P<0.01) of kidney tissue were lower in both extract-treated groups than in contrast agent group, but the decrease in serum MDA was significant only in the group given P. anisum extract (P<0.01). Serum antioxidant capacity was higher in P. anisum+contrast agent group than in the contrast agent group (P<0.01). Kidney tissue antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the groups given P. anisum and D. moldavica than in the contrast agent group (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). In addition, hydroalcoholic extracts of P. anisum and D. moldavica resulted in a decrease in CIN. Conclusion: Given the decrease in CIN by P. anisum and D. moldavica extracts in rats, it seems that these plants are beneficial for people at risk who need to use contrast agents.