Nephroprotective effects of Helianthus annuus seeds extract in gentamicin induced nephrotoxic male mice

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes a decrease in renal function which leads to failure in balancing
electrolyte, fluid and acid-base homoeostasis. AKI is a damaging and life-threatening disorder, but it can
be managed if identified earlier. This study aimed to investigate the possible nephroprotective effect of
Helianthus annuus seeds extract against gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity in male mice. The
control group (0.5 ml normal saline i.p.,), Gentamycin (GM) group (GM 100 mg/kg i.p), silymarin +
GM group (silymarin 50 mg/kg and GM 100 mg/kg i.p.,), H. annuus extract (HAE) and GM, group
(HAE 250 mg/kg and GM 100 mg/kg i.p), HAE2 + GM group (HAE2; 500 mg/kg and GM 100 mg/kg
i.p) and H. annuus oil (HAO) + GM (HAO 2.5 ml/kg and GM 100 mg/kg i.p). Serum creatinine, urea
and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly (P< 0.001) elevated in the GM group compared to the
control group. The elevated level of serum creatinine, urea and BUN were decreased significantly
(P<0.001) in groups treated with HAE and HAO extracts compared to the GM group. The kidney
histopathological study from the GM group showed tubular necrosis, vacuolation and fibrosis. However,
the animal that received HAE and HAO showed no tubular necrosis and vacuolation. Only mild
inflammation was observed compared to the GM group. In conclusion, the extract caused marked
radical scavenger and protected the kidney from oxidative damage of GM. H. annuus seeds contain
strong antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tocopherols and minerals, which
could be responsible for the current show.