Tannin-Rich Extract of Chasmanthera dependens Stem Potential in Piroxicam-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Piroxicam is commonly used as anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drug; however, its side effects include fluid retention, renal damage and heart failure. This study aimed at evaluating the nephroprotective role of different doses of the tannin-rich extract of Chasmanthera dependens stem (TRECDS) on piroxicam-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult rats were divided into four groups of eight rats per group and treated orally for ten days. Rats in group one received 0.5 ml normal saline (0.9% v/v) and served as normal control group. Rats in group two received 20 mg/kg body weight piroxicam alone. Rats in groups three and four received 20 mg/kg body weight of piroxicam with concomitant administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of TRECDS. At the expiration of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and the kidney was removed. Renal function was evaluated. The results showed that administration of piroxicam alone caused a significant elevation in the serum concentrations of albumin, creatinine, total protein, urea concentrations and the activity of renal nucleotidase with a reduction in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) when compared to normal control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, renal tissue from the piroxicam alone treated group revealed a significant decrease in the activities of renal superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase as well as reduced glutathione with concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide generation. In addition, histological assessment of the renal tissue showed noticeable damage in piroxicam alone treated group. However, concomitant administration of TRECDS showed a dose-dependent reduction in the concentrations and the activity of the kidney markers with significant increase in the activities of G6PD and restores the antioxidant status of the kidney. The results show the nephroprotective potential of TREDS against piroxicam-induced renal damage.