The protective effects of Ocimum basilicum extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats; an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and antiapoptotic action

Introduction: Some studies are in favor of protective and anti-inflammatory effects of Ocimum basilicum (OB) against renal failure. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of OB extract against gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxicity in male rat models of acute kidney injury. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven adult male Wistar rats with the weight of 200-250 g were prepared under standard condition (12 h light/dark cycle, 20 to 22 degrees C temperature). In the gentamicin group (GM), the rats were administrated normal saline (5 mL/kg; oral) for four consecutive weeks and then GM (80 mg/kg/d; intraperitoneal) for another one week. In the third (OB-200+ GM) and fourth (OB-800+ GM) groups, the rats were initially treated with OB extract (200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg respectively; oral) for four consecutive weeks followed by intraperitoneal administration of 80 mg/kg/d GM for another one week. The control group was treated with normal saline (5 mL/kg; oral) for five consecutive weeks. They were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, then plasma and tissue samples were obtained. Results: Treatment with OB hydro-alcoholic extract decreased BUN, serum Cr, FeNa and the levels of TNF-a and NF-kB and also diminished the rate of apoptosis in renal tubular cells compared to gentamicin group. Conclusion: Our findings provide comprehensive evidence supporting the beneficial role of OB, a traditional medicinal herb, as a potential therapeutic supplement to prevent the incidence and progression of renal impairment in GM-induced renal toxicity.