Nephroprotective Effects of Alhagi camelorum against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Alhagi camelorum (AC) is an old plant with a significant therapeutic value throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The overuse of cisplatin (Cis > 50 mg/m²) is associated with observed nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. Remedial measures are needed for the protection of nephrotoxicity against cisplatin. Thus, we investigated the nephroprotective effects of AC plant extract to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino Wistar rats. The presence of polyphenols, phenolic compounds, tannins, and saponins was revealed during phytochemical investigation, and a significantly intense antioxidant activity was recorded. There were no toxicological symptoms in the treated rats, and no anatomical, physiological, or histological abnormalities were found compared to the control rats. The results of correcting cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity revealed that the extract has a significant ability to treat kidney damage, with most parameters returning to normal after only three weeks of therapy. It is concluded that co-administration of cisplatin with AC extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose of 600 mg/kg for Cis-induced nephrotoxicity.

Keywords: Alhagi camelorum; cisplatin; nephrotoxicity; reactive oxygen species.

Figure 1

HPLC chromatogram of the hydroalcoholic plant extract of Alhagi camelorum showing gallic acid, rutin, etc.

Figure 2

Photomicrograph of kidney sections of rats in the (a) control, (b) Cis, (c) Cis + AC (400 mg/kg), and (d) Cis + AC (600 mg/kg) groups. BC (Bowman’s capsule), RT (renal tubules), DC (distal convoluted tubule), NC (necrosis).