Ameliorative Effect of Centaurea maroccana and Centaurea acaulis Against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride

Background: The ability of Centaurea maroccana (C. maroccana) and Centaurea acaulis (C. acaulis) to protect the kidney against CCl4-induced renal toxicity in male rats was investigated. Moreover, the total polyphenols and flavonoids amount and DPPH radical scavenging activity were estimated. Materials and Methods: Rats were pre-treated orally with C. maroccana and C. acaulis (200 mg/kg, daily for 2 weeks) along with CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg, three times a week for 2 weeks). At the end of the treatment procedure, all rats were sacrificed and renal protective effect of C. maroccana and C. acaulis was evaluated. Results: Administration of CCl4 alone significantly elevated kidney malondialdehyde, as well as serum creatinine, urea and uric acid. While kidney level of glutathione and catalase were reduced. These were accompanied by glomerular and tubular degenerations and necrosis. Pre-treatment with C. maroccana and C. acaulis ameliorated the above mentioned biochemical parameters and histological changes associated with nephrotoxicity induced by CCl4. Moreover, both studied extracts showed a noticeable total polyphenols and flavonoids amount and antioxidant activity in DPPH assays. Conclusion: From the results, it is suggested that C. maroccana and C. acaulis extract has the ability to protect kidney against oxidative damages, possibly through the antioxidant effects of their bioactive compounds.