Beneficial effects of sanguisorbae radix in renal dysfunction caused by endotoxin in vivo

The effect of Sanguisorbae Radix extract, a traditional crude drug, was investigated in renal dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin. Injection of LPS in rats resulted in a sharp rise in the serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine (Cr), indicating impairment of renal function. Nitrite and nitrate levels and the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme which participates in NO synthesis, were also significantly increased in the serum of LPS-treated rats compared with normal rats. In rats pretreated with Sanguisorbae Radix extract, renal dysfunction was attenuated and the increases in serum urea nitrogen and Cr induced by LPS were significantly reduced. The administration of Sanguisorbae Radix extract also effectively lowered serum nitrite/nitrate level. A similar effect was observed on the iNOS activity. These results indicate that Sanguisorbae Radix extract contributes to the regulation of renal function under conditions where there is excessive generation of NO.