Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and nephroprotective effect of the Raphanus sativus aqueous extract

<p class="Default">In Morocco, Raphanus sativus is a widespread traditional medicinal plant used to treat various kidney diseases such as nephropathy.</p><p class="Mabstract"><strong>Objective</strong>:<strong> </strong>The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of the <em>R. sativus </em>aqueous extract against the gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats.</p><p class="Mabstract"><strong>Methods</strong>: Rats were randomly separated into four groups (n=6; ♂/ ♀=1). The control group was treated only with distilled water (10 mL/kg; <em>p.o</em>). The gentamicin group was treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg; <em>p.o</em>) and injected intraperitoneally by the gentamicin (80 mg/kg; <em>i.p</em>). <em>R. sativus </em>groups were treated with the aqueous extracts of this plant at a dose of (200 or 400 mg/kg; <em>p.o</em>) and injected by the gentamicin (80 mg/kg; <em>i.p</em>). The plasma Creatinine, Urea, Uric Acid, Albumin, Total Protein, Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, and Calcium levels were measured. The urinary creatinine, urinary Calcium, urinary volume, water intake, creatinine clearance, body weight gain, relative right kidney weight, and kidney malondialdehydes were determined.</p><p class="Mabstract"><strong>Results</strong>: This study showed that the daily pretreatment with <em>R. sativus</em> aqueous extract at two doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o prevented the rats from the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Moreover, the <em>R. sativus </em>aqueous extract showed a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids and a significant antioxidant activity.</p><p class="Mabstract"><strong>Conclusion</strong>: <em>R. sativus </em>aqueous extract, as a novel natural product, may have preventive properties against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The present study describes new areas of investigation to introduce better therapeutic agents for renal disorders and dysfunction.</p>