Renoprotective Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Senecio serratuloides against Nw‑Nitro L‑arginine Methyl Ester‑induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the renoprotective and antioxidant capacity of hydroethanolic extract of Senecio serratuloides (HESS). Materials and Methods: In vitro and ex vivo antioxidant capacity of the extract was investigated. Female Wistar rats were treated with Nw‑nitro L‑arginine methyl ester (L‑NAME) (40 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and then cotreating with L‑NAME (20 mg/kg) and extract (HESS150 or HESS300 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and finally with plant extract or normal saline only for 2 weeks making a total of 8 weeks. Twenty‑four‑hour urine samples were collected during the study, and at the end of the study; blood and kidneys were harvested for biochemical and histological assays. Results: HESS exhibited high antiradical activity against 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’‑azinobis (3‑ethylbenzothiazoline‑6‑sulfonic acid) radicals with IC50 values of 0.1 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively. HESS significantly (P < 0.01) augmented L‑NAME‑induced decrease in creatinine clearance, glomerular filtration rate, and serum calcium concentration. HESS significantly increased in vivo antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01), decreased malondialdehyde (P < 0.01), and Bax (P < 0.001) concentration. It showed renoprotection and significantly (P < 0.01) prevented collagen deposition in the kidneys. Conclusion: S. serratuloides has renoprotective and free radical‑scavenging properties and therefore maybe important in combating oxidative stress‑mediated diseases in the kidneys and other parts of the body.