Attenuating Ketamine-Induced Nephrotoxicity with Bryophyllum pinnatum Extract: Biochemical and Histological Investigation

Abstract

Background: Ketamine, a widely used anesthetic agent, has been shown to induce nephrotoxicity, characterized by increased kidney function markers and structural damage. Despite its therapeutic applications, the adverse effects of ketamine on the kidneys necessitate the exploration of potential protective agents. Bryophyllum pinnatum (B. pinnatum), an herbal plant with a long history of medicinal use, has demonstrated various therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective effects. However, its role in mitigating ketamine-induced kidney damage remains inadequately explored. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups. Group 1 served as the control, while Group 2 received ketamine (20 mg/kg) for 7 days to induce renal toxicity. Groups 3-6 were treated with ketamine plus different doses of B. pinnatum extract (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) for 21 days. Biochemical markers, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urea, sodium (Na), and potassium (K), were measured, and histopathological evaluations were conducted on kidney tissues. Results: Ketamine administration significantly increased BUN (11.50±0.17 mg/dL), creatinine (100.00±2.89 µmol/L), urea (43.00±2.08 mg/dL), Na (164.00±4.16 mmol/L), and K (2.83±0.34 mmol/L) compared to controls (p<0.05). Treatment with B. pinnatum at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced these biomarkers, with the highest dose showing values near control levels (BUN: 5.33±0.24 mg/dL, creatinine: 64.67±4.26 µmol/L, urea: 12.23±0.15 mg/dL, Na: 131.00±0.58 mmol/L, K: 1.10±0.07 mmol/L, p<0.05). Histologically, B. pinnatum treatment attenuated ketamine-induced renal damage, with marked improvements in tissue architecture. Conclusion: B. pinnatum exhibited significant nephroprotective effects, as evidenced by the reduction of kidney function biomarkers and improved histological features, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in managing ketamine-induced renal toxicity.