Ethanolic Extract of Allophylus edulis Leaves Attenuates Gentamicin-Induced Acute Nephritis in Mice

Abstract

The kidneys are organs of vital importance for the organism since they oversee maintaining the hydro-electrolytic balance and therefore the homeostasis of the organism. Therefore, damage to this organ, such as acute kidney injury, endangers people's lives, can become a long-term problem, and represent an excessive spending for health systems Medicinal plants, among them Allophylus edulis, are used in folk medicine to treat kidney and liver conditions. This research aimed to evaluate the activity of the ethanolic extract of Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), on gentamicin-induced nephritis in mice. The experiments were carried out in female mice, 135 mg/kg (i.p.) of gentamicin was used to induce kidney damage. Silymarin was used as a control drug for renal protection. Ethanolic extract of A. edulis was administered per os, at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. To estimate renal functionality, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were determined in serum. Also, in urine were determined creatinine, urea, and uric acid, besides sodium, potassium, and chloride. A. edulis induced a reduction in the serum levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid (p<0.05) in mice with renal damage induced by gentamicin when these animals were previously treated with 50 mg/kg of the extract. The reduction was significant compared to the pathological group, and these values were close to the group treated with silymarin. Also, creatinine and urea in urine of mice treated with the extract showed lower level than gentamicin treated group. Therefore, in the model used, the ethanolic extract of Allophylus edulis showed a nephroprotective effect.

Keywords:
Allophylus edulis; acute nephritis; gentamicin; mice; silymarin; creatinine

HIGHLIGHTS

• Allophylus edulis ethanol extract was tested in gentamicin-induced nephritis in mice

• Serum creatinine and urea levels elevated by gentamicin were prevented by the extract

• Creatinine and urea in urine showed lower levels in mice treated compared to gentamicin treated group

• Allophylus edulis showed a nephroprotective effect.