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Protective Effects of Humulus lupulus L. Extract on CCl₄-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Shiva Rahimi1, Lotfollah Rezagholizadeh1, Ramin Salimnejad2
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Humulus lupulus extract protected rats from kidney injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Hops extract enhanced antioxidant defenses, showing promise for treating acute kidney injury (AKI).
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is a major factor in acute kidney injury (AKI).
- Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a nephrotoxic agent that induces AKI.
- Humulus lupulus L. (hops) extract, rich in polyphenols, possesses antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Humulus lupulus L. extract.
- To investigate the extract's impact on CCl₄-induced AKI in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four rats were divided into control and treatment groups.
- Rats received varying doses of Humulus lupulus extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) or placebo.
- Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was administered to induce AKI, followed by biochemical and histopathological analysis.
Main Results:
- CCl₄ significantly elevated serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA).
- CCl₄ decreased antioxidant markers including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
- Humulus lupulus extract pretreatment dose-dependently attenuated these CCl₄-induced changes, with the 200 mg/kg dose being more effective and reducing kidney damage.
Conclusions:
- Humulus lupulus extract demonstrated significant nephroprotective effects against CCl₄-induced AKI in rats.
- The extract enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses, mitigating oxidative stress.
- These findings support further research into hops extract as a therapeutic agent for AKI.
