Echinacea Extract Protects Kidneys from Pesticide Damage

Jim Crocker
12th March, 2024

Echinacea Extract Protects Kidneys from Pesticide Damage

Key Findings

  • Echinacea purpurea extract reduced kidney damage in rats exposed to the pesticide bifenthrin
  • The extract lowered harmful biomarkers and inflammation linked to kidney stress
  • Treated rats showed improved kidney structure, suggesting healing effects
Echinacea purpurea, a plant long used for its medicinal properties, has recently been the focus of a study from the National Research Centre aimed at investigating its potential against kidney damage caused by exposure to bifenthrin, a common pesticide[1]. Bifenthrin is known to induce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to organ damage, particularly in the kidneys. This study is part of a growing body of research exploring the health benefits of Echinacea purpurea, including its protective effects on the brain and immune system[2][3], as well as its ability to counteract toxicity in the liver and kidneys caused by various chemicals[4][5]. The study divided adult male albino rats into four groups to observe the effects of Echinacea purpurea ethanolic extract (EEE) on bifenthrin-induced renal injury. One group served as a control, while the others received either EEE, bifenthrin, or a combination of both. After 30 days, the rats exposed to bifenthrin showed significant increases in biomarkers associated with kidney damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These biomarkers included elevated levels of urea and creatinine, which are waste products typically filtered by the kidneys, and increased activity of liver enzymes (ALAT and ASAT), indicating liver stress. Additionally, inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, along with an apoptotic marker called Caspase-3, were heightened. Oxidative stress was evidenced by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), coupled with a decrease in antioxidant markers like glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In contrast, rats pre-treated with EEE before bifenthrin exposure exhibited a significant reduction in these harmful effects, with levels of kidney and liver biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers approaching those of the control group. The EEE treatment also appeared to restore the normal structure of kidney tissues, suggesting a protective and healing effect. The findings of this study are consistent with earlier research on Echinacea purpurea. For instance, studies have demonstrated the plant's neuroprotective properties, where it mitigated pesticide-induced brain dysfunction by preventing oxidative stress[2]. The immunomodulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea have also been highlighted, with the plant extract enhancing immune responses and protecting against immunosuppressive agents[3]. Moreover, the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective potential of Echinacea purpurea has been observed against chromium-induced kidney damage[4] and rutin's protective effects on liver and kidney damage[5]. These collective findings suggest that Echinacea purpurea contains compounds that can counteract the damaging effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common pathways of toxicity in various organ systems. By bolstering the body's antioxidant defenses and mitigating inflammatory responses, Echinacea purpurea may help to protect against chemical-induced organ damage. The study by the National Research Centre adds to the understanding of the detoxifying capabilities of Echinacea purpurea, particularly in the context of kidney damage caused by environmental toxins such as pesticides. The use of Echinacea purpurea could potentially serve as a complementary approach to reducing the health risks associated with exposure to harmful chemicals. While further clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans, the current research provides promising evidence of the protective benefits of this herbal remedy.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Immuno-antioxidative reno-modulatory effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea extract against bifenthrin-induced renal poisoning.

Published 11th March, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56494-4

Related Studies

2) Echinacea purpurea extract intervention for counteracting neurochemical and behavioral changes induced by bifenthrin.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-023-01303-6

3) A standardized extract of Echinacea purpurea containing higher chicoric acid content enhances immune function in murine macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mice.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2023.2244000

4) Nephroprotective role of Echinacea purpurea against potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats.

https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23599

5) Rutin protects rat liver and kidney from sodium valproate-induce damage by attenuating oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-07395-0


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