Protective effect of pomegranate flower extract against gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in male rats

Gentamicin (GM) as an antibiotic is used in clinic. However, its administration is limited by side effects such as nephrotoxicity. Herbal extracts could be used in therapeutic approaches.

The present study was planned to investigate whether pomegranate flower extract (PFE) could ameliorate GM-induced renal toxicity in male rats.

Twenty eight male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Groups 1 and 2 respectively received PFE 25 and 50 mg/kg for 9 days. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received saline, PFE 25 mg/kg, and PFE 50 mg/kg for 9 days, respectively, and GM (100 mg/kg/day) was administered from day 3 on. Blood samples were obtained, and after sacrificing the animals, the kidneys were removed for histopathology investigations.

GM alone increased the serum levels of creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and tissue damage and kidney weight (P < 0.05). However, administration of low dose of PFE accompanied with GM decreased these markers significantly (P < 0.05). Low dose of PFE also ameliorated weight loss induced by GM (P < 0.05).

It is concluded that PFE 25 mg/kg is the effective dose to ameliorate nephrotoxicity induced by GM.