Protective effects of Piper crocatum ethanol extract on Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Background: The kidney is one of the main target organs of toxic substances, including drugs. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity is thought to be caused by the formation of oxidative stress and can be prevented by antioxidants. Piper crocatum has potent antioxidant activity.

Objective: This study aims to determine the nephroprotective activity of Piper crocatum.

Method: The study used Wistar rats in five groups (normal, negative, and ethanol extract of Piper crocatum with doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg BW). The nephrotoxicity was induced by gentamicin for eight days. On the ninth day, the kidney function parameters (blood, urea, nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid) and malondialdehyde levels were measured, and kidney histology analysis was performed.

Results: The results demonstrated that the extracts show lower kidney function parameters and malondialdehyde levels than the negative control.

Conclusion: Piper crocatum is a potential nephroprotective agent.