Ameliorative Effects of Tribulus Terrestris (Qutayb) Extracts Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris has a long-standing historical legacy, having been used for centuries in the treatment of various kidney disorders and other health issues. This research aimed to evaluate the kidney-protective and antioxidant effects of different Tribulus terrestris extracts in ameliorating gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The study included nine rat groups of Wistar rats (n = 6 per group) treated for 14 days. The control group was given intraperitoneal injections of normal saline and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Group 2 received subcutaneous gentamicin injections at a dose of 100 mg/kg for eight days. Groups 3-5 were given an intraperitoneal ethanol extract of Tribulus terrestris (EETT) at 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg, respectively. Groups 6-8 received an intraperitoneal acetonitrile extract of Tribulus terrestris (AETT) at 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg, respectively. Group 9 was administered 200 mg/kg of intraperitoneal N-acetylcysteine. The results revealed that the EETT exhibited a protective effect against gentamicin-induced renal damage in Wistar albino rats. This protection was shown by reduced kidney tissue damage, lower MDA levels, and increased antioxidant enzyme levels, CAT, and GSH. Moreover, EETT administration dose-dependently improved renal histology, with full recovery observed at 450 mg/kg, whereas AETT showed no protective effect suggesting a potential dose-dependent effect. Additional studies are necessary to investigate how EETT's dose-response curve affects its ability to treat kidney damage induced by gentamicin in rats. Conversely, various doses of AETT failed to show a protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.