The preventive effect of aqueous extract of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves against the nephrotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride in mice

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance effect of aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (AERO) against the kidney toxicity induced by CCl₄ in mice. The results showed that the renal damage induced by CCl₄ was associated with a rise in oxidative stress monitored by a significant increase of TBARS and PCO levels (+89% and +136% respectively, p < .001) and a significant decrease of GSH level (–68%, p < .001) and antioxidants enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPX activities (–41.7%, –47.8%, and –50.5%; p < .001, respectively). Also, the nephropathology parameters including creatinine, BUN, and urea (+68.9%, +47%, +48·6% respectively, p < .05) were remarkably increased. These findings were substantiated by histological study. Pretreatment with Rosemary extract significantly attenuated the CCl₄ related toxic effects via more than one mechanism such as the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the stimulation of the synthesis of cellular antioxidants, the decrease of the biomarker kidney and the correction of the kidney structure. We can conclude that the Rosemary is efficient in the prevention of kidney function against CCl₄ toxicity.

Keywords:

• Rosemary
• CCl4
• oxidative stress
• kidney
• prevention

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Laboratory of Animal Ecophysiology in the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work has been funded by Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Scientific Research and Technology, Tunisia