Introduction: Ribes diacanthum Pall. (Saxifragaceae), a Mongolian folk medicinal plant, aqueous
extract of its aerial parts (leaves, stems, fruits) has been used to treat urinary system diseases. It has
been reported that the aqueous extract of RDP can control kidney stones and stimulate the diuretic
effect. Some chemical studies showed that ethyl acetate extract of RDP exhibits significant ability of
scavenging free radicals. However, to date, the nephroprotective effects of RDP on animal models
have not been investigated.
Purpose: The present work aimed to investigate the protective effects of different doses of Ribes
diacanthum Pall (RDP) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.
Materials and methods: The renal injury was modeled by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin for 5
consecutive days (5 mg/kg). Nephroprotection of RDP was investigated by oral administration of different
doses of RDP aqueous extract at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg for 14 consecutive
days, starting 7 days prior to cisplatin administration.
Results: We demonstrated that pretreatment with different doses of RDP aqueous extract significantly
reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) levels and histophatological
changes observed in cisplatin-administrated mice.
Conclusion: These data suggested that RDP might be a potential candidate for neoadjuvant chemotherapy
of cisplatin. The dose of RDP 40 mg/kg was the most effective.