Protective effect of hydroalcoholic Rheum ribes L. extract in male rat model of lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity

In the recent years, the prevalence of metal-induced toxicity, especially leadinduced toxicity, has increased considerably. Metals including lead cause oxidative stress. Therefore Rheum ribes L. as a medicinal plant with antioxidant activity may reduce the complications of these toxicities.
The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of hydroalcoholic R. ribes L. extract in male rat model of lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity.
In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Normal saline (control) group, positive control group treated with 0.6 g/L/d of lead acetate in drinking water, and two R. ribes groups treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg/d of R. ribes extract in addition to lead acetate for 10 days. After treatment, the rats were anesthetized, blood samples were taken, and kidneys were removed and fixed in 10% formalin. Then, serum antioxidant capacity was measured and kidney tissue specimens histopathologically studied.
Serum antioxidant capacity was significantly different between lead acetate group and the group treated with lead acetate R. ribes extract (400 mg/kg). Additionally mice receiving lead acetate R. ribes extract (400 mg/kg) had significantly higher antioxidant capacity than the control group (P Rheum ribes extract can prevent lead-induced kidney damage, and therefore exposure to lead acetate by people are recommended to consume this extract.