The aim of the current study was to investigate the preventive and curative effect of Atriplex halimus L. (Ah) extract against the kidney damages induced by Sodium benzoate (SB) in rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups of 6 rats each: Control, Ah, SB, AhP+SB and SB+AhC. SB (100 mg/kg b.w) was added to drinking water for 15 weeks. Aqueous extract of aerial parts of Atriplex halimus received intragastrically during the last 30 days of SB exposure for curative treatment (AhC) and all the duration of SB exposure for preventive treatment (AhP). Some Biochemical markers, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology of kidney tissue were studied. Administration of Sodium benzoate to rats caused a loss of weight and a significant elevation in creatinine, urea, renal malondialdehyde levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity. These changes were accompanied by decreasing in antioxidant defenses, like reduced glutathione level, catalase and glutathione S transferase activities in the kidney. Histopathological studies showed a massive degeneration in kidney tissue in SB-exposed rats. However, treatment with Atriplex halimus (A. halimus) restored the altered of biochemical and oxidative stress markers. A. halimus also regenerated the architectural kidneys lesions to near control. With more protection offered in the curative than preventive models of treatment. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that Sodium benzoate damages kidney structure and function and is a nephrotoxic substance. Atriplex halimus was able to improve the renal damage as an antioxidant and a nephroprotective agent.
Keywords: Antioxidants; Kidney; Oxidative stress; Rats; Sodium Benzoate; Toxicity.