Quercetin flavonoid and vitamin C recuperate kidney functions in potassium bromate-induced renal dysfunction in Wistar rats

Studies into the functions and mechanisms of action of quercetin may be able to help dispel the negative effects of toxicants on renal toxicity due to its anti-inflammatory potential, as well as provide a simple, low-cost alternative for treating renal toxicity in developing nations. Therefore, the present study evaluated the ameliorative and renal protective activities of quercetin dihydrate in potassium bromate-induced, renal-toxic Wistar rats. Forty-five (45) mature female Wistar rats (180–200 g) were randomly grouped into nine (9) ( n = 5). Group A served as general control. Nephrotoxicity was induced in groups B to I with the administration of potassium bromate. While group B served as a negative control, groups C–E received graded doses of quercetin (40, 60, and 80 mg/kg, respectively). Group F received 2.5 mg/kg/day of vitamin C, while groups G–I received vitamin C (2.5 mg/kg/day) and co-administration of a graded dose of quercetin (40, 60, and 80 mg/kg, respectively). Daily urine levels and final blood samples by retro-orbital techniques were collected for GFR, urea, and creatinine level assessment. The collected data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test, and the results were presented as mean SEM with a p < 0.05 level considered significant. Body and organ weight and GFR were significantly reduced ( p < 0.05), while serum and urine creatinine and urea were decreased in renotoxic animals. However, treatment with QCT reversed the renotoxic effects. We, therefore, concluded that quercetin administered alone or with vitamin C conferred renal protection by reversing KBrO 3 -induced renal toxicity in rats. Further studies to corroborate the present findings are recommended.