Protective effects of the wild blackberry on cyclosporine-induced renal injury in rats: implications for veterinary and agricultural toxicology

Abstract

Immunosuppressant nephrotoxicity limits safe use. This study tested whether an aqueous extract of Rubus ulmifolius protects against cyclosporine-induced renal injury in rats, of clinical, agricultural, and veterinary relevance worldwide. Twenty-four male rats were randomized into four groups (n=6): G1 vehicle; G2 cyclosporine 0.2 mg/kg by oral gavage every other day; G3 extract 400 mg/kg daily for 30 days; G4 extract 400 mg/kg daily with Cyclosporine 4 h later on alternate days. Serum urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, and total protein were assessed; kidneys were examined histologically. Biochemical assays used standard colorimetric methods, and statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Cyclosporine increased urea and creatinine and decreased albumin, globulin, and total protein versus G1. Extract alone matched control with no observable adverse effects. Pre-treatment prevented cyclosporine changes, normalizing values; G4 remained comparable to G1. Histology: G2 showed glomerular atrophy, widened Bowman’s space, tubular sloughing, congestion, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration, and tubular degeneration/necrosis; G4 appeared near normal with preserved glomeruli and tubules. R. ulmifolius aqueous extract confers renoprotection against cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in male rats, normalizing renal biomarkers and preserving histology. These findings support its potential as a phytogenic adjunct to mitigate drug-induced kidney injury; dose–response and mechanistic studies are warranted.