Protective Effects of Humulus lupulus L. Extract on CCl₄-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Oxidative stress is a key contributor to acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition exacerbated by nephrotoxic agents like carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Humulus lupulus L. (hops), which is rich in polyphenols, exhibits potent antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the nephroprotective effects of Humulus lupulus L. extract on CCl₄-induced AKI in rats.

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): normal control, CCl₄ control, and two treatment groups receiving Humulus lupulus extract (100 or 200 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) for 14 days. On day 14, all groups except the normal control received CCl₄ (1 mL/kg, 1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally). Forty-eight hours post-CCl₄ administration, serum and renal tissue samples were collected to assess biochemical markers (urea, creatinine, uric acid), oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), and histopathological changes.

CCl₄ significantly increased serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and renal MDA levels while decreasing TAC, CAT, SOD, and GPx activities. Pretreatment with Humulus lupulus extract significantly attenuated these alterations, with the 200 mg/kg dose demonstrating superior efficacy. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced tubular and glomerular damage in treated groups.

Humulus lupulus extract attenuated CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by enhancing antioxidant defenses. These preclinical findings suggest that hops extract warrants further investigation as a potential candidate for mitigating oxidative stress in AKI.