title: Nephro-protective potential of Morus alba, a prospective experimental study on animal models.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Morus alba L. (Moraceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of urinary incontinency due its strong diuretic properties.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study explores the renal protective effects of M. alba, due to its free radical scavenging properties, in order to provide experimental evidence for its established use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg/d) derived from M. alba fruit was employed in rabbits as a co-therapy (GM-al) with gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d) for a period of 3 weeks. Biochemical kidney functioning parameters, urinary isozymes, and histopathological examination were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that ethanol extract of Morus alba L. prevented alterations in serum creatinine (4.02 ± 0.14, p < 0.0001), blood urea nitrogen (54.18 ± 2.60, p < 0.0001), and serum uric acid levels (2.34 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). However, a decrease in creatinine clearance and urinary volume was observed in experimental groups. Histopathological examination and urinary enzymes excretion also suggested the protective role of the extract.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The co-administration of M. alba with gentamicin prevented renal functioning alterations expected with the use of gentamicin alone. Therefore, it can be concluded that M. alba to protect from kidney damage, which may be because of its free radical scavenging and diuretic properties.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pharmacy , University of Swabi , Swabi , KPK , Pakistan .
authors.forename: Naveed
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ullah
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmacy , University of Malakand , Chakdara , Pakistan .
authors.forename: Mir Azam
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pharmacy , University of Swabi , Swabi , KPK , Pakistan .
authors.forename: Salimullah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: c Department of Genetics , Hazara University Mansehra , Dhodial , Pakistan .
authors.forename: Habib
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: d College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University , Al-Ahsa , Saudi Arabia , and.
authors.forename: Afzal Haq
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Asif
authors.affiliation: e Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, COMSATs Abbottabad, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Taous
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005638:Fruit; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000633:toxicity; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D031625:Morus; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005839:Gentamicins; D020011:Protective Agents
keywords: Gentamicin; medicinal plant; nephroprotection; toxicity