Nephroprotective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus vasta Forssk. (Moraceae) Leaves on Acetaminophen-induced Acute Renal Failure in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Nephrotoxicity is largely caused by metabolites of acetaminophen produced and causes damage to renal function. Medicinal plants have better activity and fewer side effects. This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of Ficus vasta Forssk. (Family Moraceae) ethanolic extracts protecting guinea pigs against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity. The use of acetaminophen (PCM) suspension (2g/kg, p.o.) caused nephrotoxicity, and then treatment was done with ethanolic extract of F. vasta for 15 days. On day sixteen, all of the animals were given chloroform anesthesia, and kidney samples, and blood samples from each group were taken for biochemical and histological examination. In animals administrated PCM, showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase of serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and a reduction of albumin and total proteins. Treatment with F. vasta (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels and caused increased total protein and albumin levels. Studies on histopathology also validate the extracts' protective properties. Restoration of serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, and albumin level was linked to the protective action of F. vasta. In guinea pigs exposed to acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, ethanolic extracts of F. vasta demonstrated a strong nephroprotective effect.