Therapeutic Efficacy of Hammada scoparia Extract Against Ethanol Induced Renal Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Renoprotective effect of Hammada scoparia extracts was evaluated in Wistar albino rats which were distributed into five groups of six animals each. Three groups were treated simultaneously with ethanol 35% (4 g/kg) and plant extracts for 4 weeks. Other animals (EtOH) were given ethanol alone, and the control received 0.9% NaCl. The results showed that methanolic extract attenuated the increase of TBARS in kidneys, and also enhanced antioxidant status of the rats by increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase by 42, 32 and 49%, respectively. The glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 were overexpressed in kidneys of ethanol‐treated rats, but was normalized after methanolic extract administration. The results suggest that the renal protection of H. scoparia leaf extract was caused by inactivation of GSK‐3β expression which leads to enhancement of antioxidant activity in the kidney and a decrease in lipid peroxidation rate. Practical Application Hammada scoparia (Chenopodiaceae) is widely used in North African traditional medicine, as prevention against several diseases such cancer, hepatitis, inflammation and obesity. Recent studies have also shown that H. scoparia leaves extract possessed molluscicidal activity, a potent antitumoral activity and hepatoprotective effect. Taking into consideration the ability of natural components to reduce several diseases, the present study has evaluated the renoprotective effect of H. scoparia leaves extract which may prove to be effective against ethanol‐induced renal disorders.