Matricaria chamomilla attenuates cisplatin nephrotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Natural Product Research

Background:

• Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) is widely used as a home remedy.
• Its potential in nephroprotection remains underexplored despite extensive consumption.
• Cisplatin is a common chemotherapeutic agent known to cause nephrotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective role of Matricaria chamomilla against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, Matricaria chamomilla treatment, and combined treatment.
• Matricaria chamomilla (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally daily, starting five days before cisplatin injection.
• Kidney function, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant activities, apoptotic indices, and mineral levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• Matricaria chamomilla administration significantly improved body weight and normalized kidney function tests (serum urea, creatinine, GGT, NAG, β-gal).
• It effectively reduced oxidative stress markers (NO, LPO) and enhanced antioxidant activities (SOD, GSH, total thiols).
• The treatment also improved apoptotic markers (Cathepsin D, DNA fragmentation) and corrected cisplatin-induced hypocalcemia.

Conclusions:

• Matricaria chamomilla exhibits promising nephro-protective properties against cisplatin-induced kidney damage.
• Its protective effects are likely mediated through potent antioxidant activities and inhibition of gamma glutamyl transferase.
• Chamomile represents a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity.