Alteration in oxidative/nitrosative disparity and nephroprotective effect of hydroethanolic extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. in gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury.

Abstract

Background: Antibacterial, antioxidant, and antilipidemic properties of Ocimum tenuiflorum are well known from previous studies. This study was designed to study the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant efficacy, in vivo nephroprotective activity, and immunomodulatory potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum hydroethanolic extract in gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rat model.

Methods: Ocimum tenuiflorum extract was given for 8 days to gentamicin-induced toxicity (100 mg/kg) in rats. Nephroprotective and immunomodulatory efficacy of O. tenuiflorum extract was evaluated based on urine and serum biochemistry, blood and tissue oxidative stress indices, cytokine levels, kidney injury biomarkers, and histopathology.

Results: Gentamicin toxicity resulted in a reduction in catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and interleukin-10 levels in blood and tissue homogenates, while an increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, lipid peroxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Treatment with O. tenuiflorum ameliorated oxidative stress, cytokine imbalance, and kidney injury; however, the results were almost similar to standard drug. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of kidney, liver, and heart tissues confirmed the organoprotective efficacy of O. tenuiflorum extract.

Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate the curative efficacy of O. tenuiflorum in gentamicin-induced AKI, probably mediated through phenolic and flavonoid phytoconstituents, antioxidant properties, and down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, future studies may be established to evaluate its efficacy and safety for clinical trials.