Modulatory Effect of Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract on Cisplatin-Induced Renal Toxicity in Rats: Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Pathways

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Cisplatin (CISP) is a potent chemotherapy antineoplastic drug. Severe adverse effects are the major hampered for prescribed CISP. This study aims to evaluate the modulatory effect of Echinacea purpurea root extract (EPRE) in CISP-induced renal toxicity, with underline the mechanisms. This research conducted on forty male rats that classified into four equal groups. Rats received orally EPRE (500 mg/kg) either separately or in combination with single intraperitoneal (IP) injected of CISP (7.5 mg/kg-1). Rats were sacrificed after 7 days from CISP injection. Renal toxic pretreated (EPRE+CISP)group received orally EPRE for three weeks, on the day 21th receives a single IP injection of CISP. After 28 days, administration EPRE (500 mg/kg) did not alter renal function markers, while had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thus conformed its safe usage. However, EPRE (500 mg/kg) combined with CISP had a significant protective role against the damage in renal as evidenced by significantly decreased CISP-induced elevates in serum renal function markers and changes in an ionic electrolyte (Na+ and K+). Additionally, it significantly restored renal antioxidant status and significantly decreased serum inflammatory cytokines. Rat’s renal in EPRE (500 mg/kg) combined with CISP showed no injury compared with the CISP group. In conclusion, EPRE has protected and ameliorated the nephrotoxicity induced by CISP, thus provides an encouraging way for cancer patients receiving CISP to overcome some of its undesirable side effects.