Protective properties of dietary inclusion of Ocimum sanctum on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a frequent severe side effect of cisplatin chemotherapy, limiting its clinical use despite being one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs. In this study, we investigated the nephroprotective potential of dietary containing Ocimum sanctum against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups with six animals in each group. Groups 1 and 2 were fed basal diet (50% skimmed milk, 36% corn starch, 10% groundnut oil, and 4% mineral and vitamin premix) for 6 weeks. Groups 3 and 4 were fed basal diet supplemented with 2% and 4% O. sanctum leaves, respectively, for 6 weeks. Groups 2-4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg BW) after the 5th week of the experiment. Histopathological study of kidney was performed using light microscopy. Results: The blood urea, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine volume, and urine pH were analyzed. The administration of basal diet supplemented with 2% and 4% O. sanctum to rats significantly reduced the creatinine, urea, uric acid, urine pH, BUN, and total protein compared to cisplatin control group, while a significant increase in urine output was observed. Pretreatment with a basal diet supplemented with 2% and 4% O. sanctum were significantly prevented histopathological changes in kidney toward normal. Conclusion: These results suggest that dietary inclusion of O. sanctum could protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.