Abstract

Acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity is a detrimental issue to health, current treatment options are limited and may have some adverse effects. Betacyanins may offer preferable alternative, potentially reducing the risk of side effects and improving outcomes. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of betacyanins-rich extract against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. The objectives of the research were to; Assess preventive and curative effects of betacyanins-rich extract on acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats after pretreatment and co-administration with the betacyanins-rich extract of beetroot and determine some antioxidant markers in vivo after pretreatment and co-administration of acetaminophen with the betacyanins extract and conduct histopathological kidney tissue examination. Biochemical markers of kidney functions (Electrolytes, urea, creatinine, LDH, CRP and CAR) were determined, in-vivo antioxidant markers (MDA, SOD and GSH) were determined and histopathological studies of kidney tissues was conducted. Results of concentrations of biochemical and antioxidant markers revealed significant reduction in Creatinine, LDH, CRP, CAR and MDA activities with extract administration during pre-treatment phase, while SOD and GSH showed increased activities. These concentrations remain insignificant during concurrent treatment phase with increase in MDA, urea, and electrolytes. Histological examinations showed that pretreatment with betacyanins extract significantly reduced kidney damage caused by acetaminophen administration. In conclusion, pretreatment of acetaminophen-induced toxicity with betacyanins-rich extract showed reduced tissue damage and inflammation, however, its efficacy in reversing established damage in curative treatment groups was limited.