Protective effects of Rosa canina fruit extract against kidney damage induced by CCl4

Hanaa S S Gazwi1, Amany E Ragab2, Osama I A Soltan3

  • 1Departments of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, El-Minia, 61519, Egypt.

Insights

Rosa canina fruit extract protects kidneys from damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This effect is linked to the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, with compounds like pelargonidin showing significant interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Phytochemistry

Background:

  • Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a known nephrotoxic agent.
  • Natural products are increasingly investigated for therapeutic potential.
  • Kidney dysfunction involves oxidative stress and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Rosa canina ethanolic fruit extract against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity.
  • To identify key phytochemicals in the extract and elucidate their role in protection.
  • To investigate the involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the observed effects.

Main Methods:

  • Phytochemical analysis of R. canina extract using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.
  • Induction of nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats using CCl4.
  • Administration of R. canina extract and silymarin as treatment groups.
  • Assessment of kidney function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediators.
  • Gene expression analysis of HO-1 and Nrf2.
  • Molecular docking studies to predict compound-protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • UPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified 15 compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and lycopene.
  • R. canina extract significantly reduced CCl4-induced kidney dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  • Enhanced expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA was observed.
  • Inhibition of HO-1 diminished the protective effect of R. canina extract.
  • Molecular docking revealed strong interactions between Nrf2/HO-1 and compounds like pelargonidin.

Conclusions:

  • Rosa canina ethanolic fruit extract demonstrates significant nephroprotective potential against CCl4-induced kidney injury.
  • The protective mechanism involves the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway plays a crucial role in mediating the nephroprotective effects of R. canina extract.