Panax ginseng protects against copper sulfate-induced kidney toxicity in rats

Objective:To assess the protective effects of Panax ginseng (PG) against copper sulfate (CuSO4)-induced kidney toxicity in rats.Methods:The rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control, CuSO4, PG, and PG+CuSO4. The experiment continued for 14 days, during which CuSO4 was provided at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight per day and PG at 300 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage per day. Upon completion of the experiment, kidney sections were used for histological and histomorphometric analyses. The histochemical method was applied to ascertain the density of the glomerular mesangial matrix. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase-3 were examined using immunohistochemistry. The levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione, along with the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the kidney, were measured.Results:PG treatment exhibited a marked protective effect against CuSO4-induced renal damage, as evidenced by improved histopathological lesions, significantly reduced glomerular mesangial matrix density, VEGF in distal tubules, caspase-3 expression, and malondialdehyde levels in renal tissue, as well as enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase activities.Conclusions:PG treatment ameliorates CuSO4-induced kidney injury in rats. Further studies are warranted to verify its efficacy and elucidate the underlying mechanism of its nephroprotective action.