Renoprotective effect of the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. against the K2Cr2O7 induced nephrotoxicity

Background: The management of kidney injuries remains a big challenge and there is an urgent need to explore novel and alternative therapeutic strategies. Methods: The current study focused on the evaluation for the first time of the possible nephroprotective activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract (HE) and supernatant fraction (SUP) of Anogeissus leiocarpus roots against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The renal function parameters, the oxidative stress biomarkers in the nephrotoxic rats induced by the injection of a single dose (15 mg/kg, sc.) of K2Cr2O7, meanwhile treated orally with the HE (500 mg/kg/day) or SUP (100 mg/kg/day) were evaluated. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated in ex vivo and the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was carried out. Results: The K2Cr2O7-induced nephrotoxicity was evident by the disturbance in the levels of the renal parameters such as urea, creatinine, proteins, electrolytes and the induction of oxidative stress. The majority of the renal parameters were significantly restored when the HE and SUP were administered to the nephrotoxic rats. Remarkably, in vivo the extracts significantly alleviated the oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant levels (GSH and CAT), and by lowering the MDA level as well as in ex vivo. Furthermore in vitro, the extracts exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusion: The promising capacity of the HE and SUP to alleviate the K2Cr2O7-induced nephrotoxicity is mainly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities