Effects of silymarin on hexaflumuron-induced lesions in rat kidneys

Hexaflumuron, a benzoylphenylurea insecticide, has nephrotoxic effects in mammals. The use of plant antioxidants to improve and prevent poisoning with insecticides has gained popularity. This study aims to evaluate the effects of silymarin, an herbal antioxidant, in ameliorating the lesions caused by hexaflumuron in rat kidneys.

In this experimental study, 40 rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8): a control group, a group receiving silymarin (200 mg/kg), treatment group 1 (hexaflumuron at 22 mg/kg and silymarin at 100 mg/kg), treatment group 2 (hexaflumuron at 22 mg/kg and silymarin at 200 mg/kg), and a group receiving hexaflumuron (at 22 mg/kg). The gavage lasted for 28 days. After the gavage period, the blood sample was collected from the rats, and kidney tissue samples were obtained post-euthanasia. Histopathological examination was qualitatively conducted to assess lesion presence.

Silymarin significantly reduced the elevated concentrations of serum urea and creatinine induced by hexaflumuron (P<0.05). The use of silymarin largely mitigated vacuolar degeneration and hyperemia caused by hexaflumuron in the kidneys.

Based on the findings, it can be inferred that silymarin at a dose of 200 mg/kg, as an herbal antioxidant, effectively prevents the adverse changes induced by hexaflumuron in the kidneys.