Abstract
Background: In the recent years, the prevalence of metal-induced toxicity, especially leadinduced
toxicity, has increased considerably. Metals including lead cause oxidative stress.
Therefore Rheum ribes L. as a medicinal plant with antioxidant activity may reduce the
complications of these toxicities.
Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of
hydroalcoholic R. ribes L. extract in male rat model of lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly
assigned to four groups: Normal saline (control) group, positive control group treated
with 0.6 g/L/d of lead acetate in drinking water, and two R. ribes groups treated with 200
and 400 mg/kg/d of R. ribes extract in addition to lead acetate for 10 days. After treatment,
the rats were anesthetized, blood samples were taken, and kidneys were removed and
fixed in 10% formalin. Then, serum antioxidant capacity was measured and kidney tissue
specimens histopathologically studied.
Results: Serum antioxidant capacity was significantly different between lead acetate group
and the group treated with lead acetate + R. ribes extract (400 mg/kg). Additionally mice
receiving lead acetate + R. ribes extract (400 mg/kg) had significantly higher antioxidant
capacity than the control group (P<0.05). Treatment of lead acetate-treated rats with R.
ribes extract significantly prevented damage to their kidney tissues.
Conclusions: Rheum ribes extract can prevent lead-induced kidney damage, and therefore
exposure to lead acetate by people are recommended to consume this extract.