Abstract
Introduction: Some studies are in favor of protective and anti-inflammatory effects of Ocimum basilicum
(OB) against renal failure.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of OB extract against gentamicin
(GM)-induced nephrotoxicity in male rat models of acute kidney injury.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven adult male Wistar rats with the weight of 200-250 g were prepared
under standard condition (12 h light/dark cycle, 20 to 22°C temperature). In the gentamicin group (GM), the
rats were administrated normal saline (5 mL/kg; oral) for four consecutive weeks and then GM (80 mg/kg/d;
intraperitoneal) for another one week. In the third (OB-200+ GM) and fourth (OB-800+ GM) groups, the
rats were initially treated with OB extract (200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg respectively; oral) for four consecutive
weeks followed by intraperitoneal administration of 80 mg/kg/d GM for another one week. The control
group was treated with normal saline (5 mL/kg; oral) for five consecutive weeks. They were sacrificed under
deep anesthesia, then plasma and tissue samples were obtained.
Results: Treatment with OB hydro-alcoholic extract decreased BUN, serum Cr, FeNa and the levels of TNF-a
and NF-kB and also diminished the rate of apoptosis in renal tubular cells compared to gentamicin group.
Conclusion: Our findings provide comprehensive evidence supporting the beneficial role of OB, a
traditional medicinal herb, as a potential therapeutic supplement to prevent the incidence and progression
of renal impairment in GM-induced renal toxicity.