Protective effect of some plants against the toxicity of kidneys caused by gentamicin

Abstract

Objective The kidneys are a major organ for the removal of waste materials from the body. Plants play an essential role in human health. This work aimed to study the protective effect of some plants vs gentamicin toxicity of the kidneys. Materials and methods Thirty adult male albino rats (Sprague Dawley Strain) of weight 100±10 g were investigated. Rats were divided into two mean groups. Group 1 (six rats) was fed on a balanced diet and was present as a negative control for 4 weeks. Group 2 (24 rats) was injected with gentamicin 100 mg/kg BW/day for 8 days to induce kidney damage and then were divided into four subgroups. Subgroup 1 was fed a standard diet as a positive control. Subgroups 2, 3, and 4 were fed a standard diet with an orally administered aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium, parsley, and fennel at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight, respectively. At the end of the period, blood samples were collected, then urea, uric acid, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase activity, liver enzymes, and triglycerides were assayed in serum. Organs (liver and kidney) were removed for histopathological examination. Finally, statistical comparisons were made with a one-way analysis of variance test. Results The results indicated that renal function, liver function tests, and triglycerides were reduced significantly in treatment groups as compared with the positive control. The best treatment effect of lactate dehydrogenase activity has appeared in rats treated with the extract of fennel. Conclusion The present study suggests that Parsley, Artemisia absinthium, and fennel extract have protective effects against gentamicin toxicity.