Effects of Aqueous Thyme Extract against Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rabbits

Nephroprotective effect of aqueous thyme extract was investigated in rabbits with acute renal injury induced by a single i.p. injection of cisplatin (6.5 mg/kg). Aqueous thyme extract treatment (500 mg/kg/day, orally) was applied for 7 consecutive days, starting 4 days before cisplatin administration. Aqueous thyme extract significantly reduced serum urea and serum creatinine levels and increased serum albumin levels which were altered by cisplatin. Aqueous thyme extract significantly compensated deficits in kidney tissue glutathione level, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and decreased the elevations of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha resulted from cisplatin administration. Also, histopathological renal tissue damage mediated by cisplatin as well as inflammatory cells infiltration was greatly ameliorated by aqueous thyme extract treatment. It was concluded that aqueous thyme extract represents a potential therapeutic option to protect against acute cisplatin nephrotoxicity commonly encountered in clinical practice.