Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) causes damage in liver, kidneys, lungs, testis, brain, and blood through generation of free radicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Sophora pachycarpa root extract on CCl₄-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male rats (weight range, 195-200g) were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 each: Pre-treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 )at doses of 50, 100, and 250mg/kg), control group, CCl₄ group, and post-treatment group. At the end of the treatment period, serum levels of creatinine, total protein, and albumin, were measured. Then, the kidneys were removed from the animal’s body for histological examination.

Results: Injection of CCl₄ to the rats significantly increased the serum level of creatinine compared to the control group, while decreased the serum levels of albumin and total protein. Also, treatment with S. pachycarpa root extracts significantly reversed the aforementioned changes to normal levels. Treatment with the extract (250mg/kg) led to remarkable improvement in histopathological changes of kidney sections.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that S. pachycarpa extract can partly moderate the toxic effects of CCl₄ in kidney, which is possibly due to the presence of its bioactive compounds.