Protective effect of Urtica urens L. against nephrotoxicity induced by imidacloprid in rats.

Imidacloprid (IMI) has been known to cause nephrotoxicity. Some reports claim that Urtica urens L. (U. urens) can reduce toxicity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of U. urens against this toxicity. Rats were divided into control group, three groups treated with IMI at 50, 200, or 300 mg/kg/day and three groups injected with IMI (50, 200, or 300 mg/kg/day) + 100 mg/kg/day of U. urens, for 60 days. Urine and blood samples were collected for dosage of biochemical levels. Kidneys were removed for oxidative stress and histological examination. IMI caused acute renal injury and increased the levels of biochemical and tissue MDA. It also decreased the levels of antioxidant enzyme activities. Urtica urens injection improved the histological and all biochemical parameters. IMI induced an acute renal injury accompanied with disturbance of oxidant status U. urens injection provided a significant protection thanks to antioxidant properties.