Evaluation of Nephroprotective Effects of Lawsonia inermis Bark Extract: A Biochemical Approach

Gentamicin is atypical aminoglycoside medication used to treat bacterial infections. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity is classified as a tubulopathy, in which tubular damage and destruction most frequently cause renal insufficiency. Our study aims to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Lawsonia inermis bark extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group I served as a normal control group, group II served as a gentamicin control group, and in Groups III and IV, gentamicin-challenged animals were treated with L. inermis bark extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the results, we found that treatment with L. inermis bark extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the elevated creatinine and urea in the blood. Besides, the extract also improved the total protein level in the blood. It is well known that gentamicin intoxication reduces antioxidant defense, so we examined the levels of endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione) and discovered that the extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly improved the activity of these antioxidants. Hence, we can conclude that the nephroprotective potential of L. inermis bark extract may be attributed to its antioxidant activity.