Ruta graveolens and its active constituent rutin protect against diethylnitrosamine-induced nephrotoxicity through modulation of oxidative stress

The current study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of Ruta graveolens (Rue) and its active phenolic constituent rutin against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A single dose of DEN (200 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally injected. Two-weeks after DEN administration, rats received 0.05 % phenobarbital in drinking water for 12 weeks. Ruta graveolens (50 mg/kg) and rutin (50 mg/kg) were orally administered from the first day of experiment. DEN administration induced kidney injury evidenced by histological alterations as well as significant increase in serum urea (P<0.01), creatinine (P<0.001) and uric acid (P<0.001), and renal lipid peroxidation levels. On the other hand, renal glutathione content and activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase were significantly declined. Concomitant supplementation with either R. graveolens extract or rutin markedly alleviated the altered biochemical and histopathological features. In conclusion, the current findings provide evidence that R. graveolens and its active phenolic component rutin could protect against DEN-induced renal damage through abolishment of oxidative stress and potentiation of the antioxidant defense system.