Protective Effect of Croton macrostachyus (Euphorbiaceae) Stem Bark on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating antineoplastic agent and its major limitation is injury to normal tissue, leading to multiple organ toxicity, including kidney, heart, liver and reproductive toxicity. Croton macrostachyus (Euphorbiaceae) has been used in Ethiopian traditional medicine to manage renal diseases.

Objective

The present study aims to assess the protective effect of the stem bark extract and solvent fractions of Croton macrostachyus on cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Nephrotoxicity was induced using cyclophosphamide 200 mg/kg i.p injection on the first day of the experiment. The negative control groups were administered with cyclophosphamide alone (200 mg/kg, i.p.). The crude extracts were administered at three dose levels (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), while aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions were given at two dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg). Excepting the normal control, all groups were subjected to cyclophosphamide toxicity on the first day.

Results

Treatment with crude extract 100 mg/kg and ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased kidney-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.001). In addition, treatment with Croton macrostachyus crude extract and solvent fractions significantly decreased serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (P < 0.001). Treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg of ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased serum creatinine level. Histopathological results confirmed the protective effect of the crude extract and solvent fractions of Croton macrostachyus.

Conclusion

Croton macrostachyus possesses nephroprotective activities and it could be a possible source of treatment for cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity.

Keywords:

• Croton macrostachyus
• cyclophosphamide
• nephrotoxicity
• creatinine
• blood urea nitrogen

Abbreviations

BUN, blood urea nitrogen; OECD, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; SCr, serum creatinine; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

The outcome of this research was generated from the data collected and analyzed based on the specified methods and materials. The original data supporting these findings will be accessible at the time of reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Mekelle University for sponsoring this study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research was partially funded by Mekelle University, Ethiopia.