Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of Heracleum persicum L. extract on rats with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Heracleum persicum L.against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Methods:Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including control(normal saline),gentamicin(80 mg/kg/d for 10 d),Heracleum persicum(750 mg/kg/d),and gentamicin(10 d)+Heracleum persicum extract at three different doses(250,500,and 750 mg/kg/d for 40 d).Urine creatinine,urea,protein,and albumin levels were determined.In addition,serum urea,creatinine,sodium,potassium,cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10),glutathione peroxidase activity,total antioxidant capacity,kidney malondialdehyde,stereological parameters,and expressions of apoptosis-related genes(p53,Bax,Bcl-2,and caspase-3)were measured.The LD50 of Heracleum persicum extract was determined based on Lorke’s method.Histopathological evaluation was also performed.Results:In addition to decreased urine protein and albumin,and increased creatinine and urea,co-treatment with gentamicin and Heracleum persicum significantly reduced levels of creatinine and urea,and increased sodium and potassium in serum.Heracleum persicum treatment also improved stereological parameters and serum inflammatory cytokines.There was a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as a reduction in malondialdehyde level.Furthermore,treatment with Heracleum persicum extracts downregulated p53,caspase-3,and Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 expressions.In histopathological evaluation,Heracleum persicum extracts showed protection against gentamicin-induced renal damages.Conclusions:Heracleum persicum exhibits protective effects against gentamicin-induced structural and functional renal impairments.

Pharmacological and therapeutic properties of the Red Clover(Trifolium pratense L.):an overview of the new findings

OBJECTIVE:To review beneficial effects of red clover(Trifolium pratense L.)on biological processes.METHODS:A systematic review was carried out according tothe PRISMA checklist.Using Me SH keywords,385 articles were extracted from national and international databases(Pub Med,Science Direct,SID,and Google Scholar search engine)without time limit.After removing duplicates,80 articles were reviewed.RESULTS:Our findings revealed that the compositions of red clover promote anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects.Furthermore,they exude beneficial effects on cardiovascular functionand improvesymptoms of menopause.Also,these compounds can regulate blood glucose and lipid markers.The effects of the herb on have also been investigated on various tissues including endometrium,breast,skin and reproductive system.CONCLUSION:In recent studies,the anti-cancer effects of clover(Trifolium)extract co-administrated with standard drugs have been reportedin different cancers.