Nephrotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of teucrium polium in wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Teucrium polium L is widely used for different pathological conditions and may have side effects, especially on kidney. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephrototoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium in male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 100 rats were designated in 10 groups of 10. Five groups were injected intraperitoneally (IP) 50, 100, 150, or 200 mg /kg extracts or normal saline for 28 days and sacrificed to study the kidney degenerations. Five other groups were injected the same drug regimen, but they were sacrificed 28 days after cessation of drug injections to investigate the effect of possible complication or regeneration during recovery. Findings: The Teucrium polium consumption had dose-related toxic effects on kidney (P = 0.02). Following 28 days of Teucrium polium consumption (phase 1), kidney damages were not increased in comparison with control group (P > 0.05). However, following 28 days of drug cessation, kidney damages including degeneration, destruction and vacuolization were significantly appeared in comparison with control group and with increasing the doses of Teucrium polium (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Due to nephrotoxicity, Teucrium polium should not be used or should be consumed with great caution. © 2014, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved