Avicenna Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Background: Pistacia atlantica kurdica has recently been shown to possess free radical scavenging ability. The current study aims to investigate the protective effect of this plant against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods: Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups (6 in each), and treated as follows: group 1 received normal saline (control group), group 2 (positive control) received cadmium by drinking water (100 mg/ L/d), group 3 received 200 mg/kg of P. atlantica extract, and groups 4-6 received cadmium as well as 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/d of P. atlantica extract (orally), respectively. After 2 weeks, oxidative damage and renal function markers were assayed by standard methods.

Results: In cadmium group, a significant increase was observed in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P<0.01) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) level of renal tissue (P<0.001) and a remarkable decrease was found in total thiol molecules (TTM) of the kidney (P<0.001). Despite the decreased renal antioxidant capacity, these changes were not significant. P. atlantica extract improved the LPO, TTM, and histopathological changes in renal tissue.

Conclusion: In this study, although the P. atlantica extract did not have a significant effect on cadmiuminduced renal dysfunction, it did improve the oxidative/antioxidant balance in renal tissue.