title: Protective effects of Ficus racemosa stem bark against doxorubucin-induced renal and testicular toxicity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark is a rich source of phenolic compounds known to possess potential antioxidant activity offering numerous health benefits.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study evaluated the protective effects of sequential acetone extract of Ficus racemosa bark at two doses (FR250; 250 mg kg(-1) and FR500; 500 mg kg(-1) p.o.) against doxorubicin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Doxorubicin administration resulted in significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in total protein and glutathione concentrations, while increased (P ≤ 0.05) serum urea, creatinine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Extract pretreatment restored biochemical parameters toward normalization. FR250 and FR500 decreased serum creatinine levels by 22.5% and 44%, while serum urea levels were decreased by 30.4% and 58.8%, respectively. Extract pretreatment (500 mg kg(-1)) decreased TBARS and increased glutathione levels in the kidney and testis to control levels. These observations were substantiated by histopathological studies, wherein normal renal and testicular architecture was restored in FR500 group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Doxorubicin exposure results in pronounced oxidative stress, and administration of F. racemosa stem bark extract offers significant renal and testicular protection by inhibiting lipidperoxidation-mediated through scavenging free radicals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Studies in Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, India ; Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Faiyaz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Asna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Urooj
authors.forename: Alias A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Karim
keywords: Doxorubicin; glutathione; histopathology; oxidative stress; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances