Renoprotective effect of Pulsatillae Radix on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy used to treat tumors. However, the use of cisplatin is limited due to side effects, mainly nephrotoxicity. Pulsatillae Radix is known to possess anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to test the protective effect of Pulsatilla Radix on cisplatin-induced renal failure in mice. Pulsatillae Radix was administered (300 mg/kg p.o.) once a day for 3 days. At day 3, all groups of mice received a single injection of cisplatin (25 mg/kg i.p.). Pulsatillae Radix treatment ameliorated renal dysfunction 72 h after cisplatin administration. Mice treated with Pulsatillae Radix showed significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the control group. Moreover, Pulsatillae Radix did not disturb the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin in tumor-bearing mice. These results showed that Pulsatillae Radix has renoprotective effects and may represent a new treatment strategy in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.