Experimental study of the nephrotoxicity of Guangfangji / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

AIM: To study the. nephrotoxicity of various doses of Guangfangji. METHODS: Normal Wistar rats were given 1, 5 and 10 g · kg-1 of Guangfangji respectively. Renal pathology and function were observed. RESULTS Rats given 1 g · kg-1 of Guangfangji for 8 weeks showed normal renal function and histology. Rats given 5 g · kg-1 of Guangfangji significantly increased 24 hour urinary protein excretion. Tubular degeneration and interstitial edema was observed. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creactinine (Scr) remained in the normal range. BUN and Scr increased significantly in the group given 10 g·kg-1 of Guangfangji for 4 weeks. The tubulointerstitial abnormalities were more severe in the group given 5 g·kg-1 of Guangfangji. CONCLUSION: Longterm use of pharmacopoeial dose of Guangfangji shows no harm to the kidney. Renal injury may occur if relatively large dose of Guangfangji is given and the period of treatment using this drug is relatively longer.