Therapeutic Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa in Minimizing Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity and Testicular Histopathological Alterations In Rats

Jawindra, Mohamad Raviansyah; Yuniarti, Wiwik Misaco; Kurniawati, Devia Kurniawati Yoanita; Yulinda, Issaura Vita; Safiranisa, Aldhia; Fachrudin, Ahmad Nasir; Sektiari Lukiswanto, Bambang; Widyawati, Ratna

doi:10.32598/ARI.81.4.3807

Therapeutic Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa in Minimizing Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity and Testicular Histopathological Alterations In Rats

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Reproductive Biology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.

² Department of Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.

³ Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

⁴ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia.

10.32598/ARI.81.4.3807

Abstract

Introduction: Gentamicin, a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic, is associated with significant nephrotoxicity and gonadotoxicity, limiting its clinical utility. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) extract, known for its rich antioxidant content, on renal histopathology and seminiferous tubule thickness in rats exposed to gentamicin-induced toxicity.
Materials & Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: a negative control, a positive control (gentamicin only), and three treatment groups receiving roselle extract at 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg body weight along with gentamicin. The extract was administered orally for 15 consecutive days, while gentamicin (80 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally from day 8 to 15 to induce organ damage. At the study’s conclusion, kidney and testis tissues were collected for histopathological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Renal damage was assessed by scoring glomerular and tubular degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas seminiferous tubule thickness was measured.
Results: The positive control group showed severe renal damage, characterized by widespread tubular necrosis, glomerular atrophy, and intense inflammation, alongside a significant reduction in seminiferous tubule thickness compared to the negative control. Conversely, rats co-treated with roselle extract demonstrated a dose-dependent amelioration of these pathological changes, showing marked improvements in kidney structure and preservation of testicular integrity. Notably, the 200 mg/kg dose exhibited the most pronounced protective effect, restoring tissue architecture to near-normal conditions.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that roselle extract mitigates gentamicin-induced organ damage, likely through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that combat drug-induced oxidative stress. This supports its potential as a natural therapeutic agent to counteract the adverse effects of essential drugs.

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