Zizyphus jujuba protects against ibuprofen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

CONTEXT: Zizyphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae) has long been used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia in Chinese traditional medicine. The edible part is the fruit. Different parts of Z. jujuba possess medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antifertility.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of Z. jujuba fruit aqueous extract (ZE) on nephrotoxicity induced by ibuprofen (IBP) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped as normal saline (control), ZE (500 mg/kg), IBP (400 mg/kg) and ZE + IBP-treated groups. After five days of oral administration, rats were sacrificed. The protective effect of ZE was evaluated by measuring kidney biomarkers, and histopathological changes of kidney were observed. Kidney antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidase were investigated.

RESULTS: Administration of IBP resulted in a significant increase in urea and creatinine (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in albumin and total protein (p < 0.05). Damage in glomeruli and proximal convoluted tubules was observed. IBP also increased CAT (p < 0.05) and GST (p < 0.001) activities compared to the control group. Administration of ZE with IBP significantly decreased serum urea and creatinine (p < 0.05) and reduced the severity of kidney damage. There was also a significant increase in the activities of CAT (p < 0.05) and GST (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results indicated that Z. jujuba aqueous extract could have a therapeutic role in reducing nephrotoxicity induced by ibuprofen.