The Effect of Pine Cones Aqueous Extract on Renal Function in Male Rats

Background:Antioxidant effects of cypress cones extract have been previously demonstrated. In this study, the protective effect of cypress cones extract was investigated. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic administrated for the treatment of gram-negative bacteria infections, was used for nephrotoxicity induction. Methods: In this study, 60 wistar male rats were randomly divided into the six groups (n=10); control group (C) received nothing, sham group (S) received distilled water, group D received gentamicin for induction of nephrotoxicity, group GE received gentamicin as well as Cypress cones aqueous extract intra- peritoneally for 16 days, group DE received the extract after being sick and group E received just the extract. Sampling was done after 16 and 32 days of study. Sodium and potassium concentrations were measured using flame photometery method. Other parameters were assayed by colorimetric method. Results: Statistically significant difference was detected between the control group and group D in regard to the mean level of Bun, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride (P<0.05), while no statistically significant difference was observed in the mean level of these parameters in DE and GE groups (the groups receiving Gentamicin and pine cones aqueous extract) in comparison with control group in days 16 and 32 (P>0.05). In this study, cypress cones aqueous extract could change the increased levels of Bun and serum creatinine and decreased levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride resulted from kidney injury into their natural levels. Conclusion: The present study revealed that cypress cones extract can improve Gentamicin-induced renal failure in rats. As previous studies have proved the existence of antioxidants in cypress cones, the observed health-promoting effects of aqueous extract can be attributed to these properties.