Combination of Curcumin and Quercetin: Reclaiming the Lost Ground Against Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Background: An alkylating agent named cyclophosphamide (CP) is an immunosuppressant used in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and various cancers. The combination of curcumin and quercetin was evaluated for antioxidant activity against CP-induced renal oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Methods: A prophylactic treatment using a combination of curcumin and quercetin is given to the rats at 80 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (b.w.) of the oral dose administered before single injection of CP at 200 mg/kg intra-peritoneally (i.p.). The effects of curcumin and quercetin combination on CP-induced nephrotoxicity were investigated using the assay of oxidative stress biomarkers, serum kidney toxicity markers, and histopathology of kidney tissue. Result: A single dose of CP were enhanced the malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and reduced the body weight indices (OBWI), haematological parameter, glutathione (GSH) content. The oral administration of curcumin and quercetin were caused a substantial reduction of the MDA, creatinine, BUN level and increased the OBWI, haematological parameter, GSH content. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that curcumin and quercetin combination has a prominent role against CP-induced renal injury.