ABSTRACT
Acyclovir, a commonly prescribed antiviral medication, is known to induce nephrotoxicity in some patients. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Portulaca oleracea (common purslane) against acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into Six groups: group (A, B, C, D, E, F) A: Control, B: acyclovir they were given 432mg/kg, C: low dose of Portulaca oleracea extract were given 200mg/kg. Group D was given high dose of extract 1000mg/kg. Group E was given 432mg/kg plus 200mg/kg of extract. Group F was given 432mg/kg of acyclovir plus 1000mg/kg of extract. The nephrotoxicity was induced by administering acyclovir intraperitoneally for 30 days, while Portulaca oleracea extract was administered orally to the respective groups as per their treatment regimen. After the treatment period, biochemical markers of renal function, such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, were measured. Furthermore, renal tissue samples were obtained for histopathological examination, oxidative stress assessment, and determination of proinflammatory cytokines. The acyclovir-treated group showed a significant increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels compared to the control group. However, pretreatment with Portulaca oleracea extract significantly mitigated these changes. In addition, histopathological analysis revealed preserved renal architecture and reduced tubular damage in the Portulaca oleracea extract-treated group. Moreover, oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, were significantly improved in the Portulaca oleracea extract-treated group. Lastly, the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were markedly reduced in the Portulaca oleracea extracttreated group. These findings suggest that Portulaca oleracea extract possesses protective effects against acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the therapeutic potential of Portulaca oleracea in preventing or managing acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in s settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Portulaca oleracea on acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug commonly used for the treatment of herpes infections, however, it has been known to cause kidney damage as a side effect. Portulaca oleracea, a medicinal plant with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, was hypothesized to have a protective effect on the kidneys against acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. At the end of the study, serum and kidney tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. The results showed that acyclovir administration significantly increased serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, indicating kidney dysfunction. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed glomerular and tubular damage in the kidneys of the acyclovir group. However, treatment with Portulaca oleracea extract significantly attenuated acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. The groups receiving Portulaca oleracea extract along with acyclovir showed decreased levels of BUN and creatinine compared to the acyclovir group. Furthermore, histopathological examination demonstrated improved kidney architecture with reduced glomerular damage and tubular injury. In conclusion, Portulaca oleracea extract exhibited a protective effect against acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats. This may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
