Protective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of portulaca oleracea against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity

Poriulaca oleracea L. is a herbaceous weed from portulacaceae family. It can be found in many parts of the world. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that P. oleracea have antioxidant effects. The protective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of P. oleracea against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity was studied in rats. Single intraperitoneal injection of 4 mg/kg cisplatin was administrated to rats. After 5 days, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine [Scr] concentration were determined. Effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, before and after cisplatin injection on BUN and Scr, as well as morphological renal damage, was evaluated. It was indicated that treatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. oleracea in the highest dose [0.8 and 2 g/ kg], 6 and 12 hr before cisplatin injection reduced BUN and Scr. Tubular necrotic damage was not observed either. Results suggest that P. oleracea extract may protect against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity and might serve as a novel combination agent with cisplan to limit renal injury

Ethanolic extract of nigella sativa L seeds on ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Nigella Sativa L [NS] seeds on kidney calculi in rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A received tap drinking water for 30 days [intact control]. Groups B, C, and D received 1% ethylene glycol for induction of calcium oxalate calculus formation. As the preventive, and treatment subjects, rats in groups C and D received ethanolic extract of NS, 250mg/kg, in drinking water since day 0 and day 14, respectively. Urine was collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 30 of the study period. After 30 days, the kidneys were removed and prepared for histologic evaluation of calcium oxalate deposits. Urine calcium oxalate concentrations were determined by atomic absorption. The number of CaOx deposits was significantly greater in group B [P=0.001]. Calcium oxalate concentrations in the urine on days 14 and 30 increased significantly in group B and were higher than those in group C [p=.006 and p=.002, respectively]. Urine oxalate concentration in group D decreased on day 30 and was lower than that in group B [P=.04]. Treatment of rats with ethanolic extract of NS reduced the number of calcium oxalate deposits in a group of rats that received ethanolic extract of NS. The NS could also lower the urine concentration of calcium oxalate. We suggest further studies on the therapeutic and preventive effects of the NS on kidney calculus formation in human