Nephroprotective effect of Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract against lead toxicity: In vivo study

Background: A lead intoxication can cause a nephrotoxicity, which is associated to many troubles of renal function in both animal and human. Hence, Pimpinella anisum L. is widely known by its therapeutic effects and more precisely on the kidney. Aim of the Study: An evaluation of the benefits effect of an oral administration of P. anisum L. aqueous extract within young rats intoxicated by lead acetate. Materials and Methods: Young rats were exposed to 0.2% of lead during gestation and lactation. At weaning animals were treated orally by aqueous extract of P. anisum L. (500 and 750 mg/kg) for 15 days. The assessment of renal function was done by measuring some biochemical markers such as creatinine, urea, uric acid, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GT), and tissular like total proteins, catalase, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Further, a piece of the kidney was used to determine the histopathological profile of the studied organs. Results: Lead caused a kidney damage, which was observed by the increased level of Biochemical markers (urea, creatinine, acid uric, and gamma-GT). An oral administration of P. anisum L. had decreased these levels as follow: -71%, -1.23%, -1.80% and -5.88%, respectively. Moreover, the treatment with plant decreased the level of LPO (-13.56%) and increased the concentration of total proteins (+8.88%). No change was observed on the histological structures of the kidney between the studied groups. Conclusion: P. anisum L. may have a nephroprotective potential against harmful effect induced by lead toxicity on kidney.