Abstract
Introduction: The efficacy of cisplatin (CPT) is dose dependent, but the risk of nephrotoxicity
hinders the use of higher doses to maximize its antineoplastic effect. Ipomoea aquatica Forsk
(IA) is a medicinal plant used in folklore for the treatment of many ailments.
Objectives: This study assessed the protective effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of I. aquatica
(EEIA) against a rat model of CPT-induced kidney damage.
Materials and
Methods: Fifty-four adult albino rats used for this study were randomized into
9 groups of 6 rats each. Rats were orally pretreated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of EEIA
daily for 7 days and were administered with 6 mg/kg of CPT intraperitoneally (ip) on the fifth
and seventh day. On the eighth day, rats were sacrificed, blood was collected, and kidneys
were excised. Plasma was extracted from blood and evaluated for renal function indices while
kidneys were evaluated for oxidative stress markers and histology.
Results: The effects of CPT on the body and kidney weights were not significant (P>0.05) when
compared to control. However, CPT-induced kidney damage showed significant (P<0.05)
increases in creatinine, urea, uric acid, and malondialdehyde levels when compared to control.
Furthermore, significant (P<0.05) decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione,
glutathione peroxidase, total protein, albumin, sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate
levels were obtained in CPT-treated rats when compared to control. The kidneys of CPTtreated rats were marked by extensive tubular necrosis. However, CPT-induced nephrotoxic
effects were significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) and in a dose- dependent manner reversed in EEIA
pretreated rats.
Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of I. aquatica Forsk contains essential constituents that
can be used to treat CPT associated kidney injury.