Anti-nephrotoxic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficiency of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Background: Exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces acute and chronic kidney damage alongside oxidative stress in rats.

Aim: This study examines Nigella sativa ethanolic extract's (NEE) potential barriers against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods: Wistar albino male rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were acclimatized and randomly divided into four groups, each comprising 10 animals. The control group consisted of healthy rats; the second group received oral administration of 200 mg/kg NEE for six weeks; the third group received intraperitoneal injections of CCl4 at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg twice weekly for six weeks; and the fourth group received both oral NEE and CCl4.

Results: Results indicate that NEE significantly mitigated renal degeneration induced by CCl4, evidenced by notable reductions in creatinine, urea, urea nitrogen, uric acid, potassium, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, renal NO, MDA, and DNA fragmentation, coupled with substantial increases in kidney SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels. Additionally, CD4, Albumin, Sodium, Calcium, Immunohistochemistry, and Histopathological analyses revealed marked regenerative effects.

Conclusion: In conclusion, NEE exhibits anti-nephrotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, with a likely mediation by its antioxidant constituents. The radical scavenging activity, particularly the high phenolic content of its active component, suggests NEE's potential efficacy as a nephroprotective supplement.