Gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity counteraction using Boerhaavia diffusa in Swiss albino mice

Disruption of homeostasis, detoxification and excretion in kidney functions by endogenous or exogenous toxicants results in the occurrence of nephrotoxicity. The study aimed to explore Boerhaavia diffusa L., a Nyctaginaceae herbal medicine that has been used commonly for nephrotic syndrome for its nephroprotective property against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Swiss albino mice were administered with gentamicin and pre-treated with B. diffusa. Biochemical aspects and antioxidants of the kidney were estimated. Histological impacts along with expressions of kidney injury markers and mediators were examined. The phytochemical analyses resulted in the presence of several herbal metabolites with therapeutic influence on kidney injury. Determination of changes in biochemical constituents of the kidney such as urea, uric acid and creatinine suggests that kidney function has been altered in the presence of gentamicin. Examination of histopathological changes revealed that oral administration of mice with an aqueous or ethanolic extract from the leaves of B. diffusa attenuated the kidney damage caused by gentamicin. Levels of cellular antioxidants responsible for scavenging ROS during nephrotoxic conditions were increased with modulation in the gene expression of acute kidney injury biomarkers in extract-treated animals showing their potential nephroprotective action against gentamicin. Inflammatory genes which are responsible for producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely, iNOS and IL-6 were downregulated upon B. diffusa administration. B. diffusa potentially mitigates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity which can be a potential therapeutic drug as a nephroprotectant.