The protective effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) against meloxicam-induced renal and hepatic damage in male rats

S. A. Razzaq; Z. A. Aboshnin; H. K. Abdul-Husseein

doi:10.15421/0225021

S. A. Razzaq University of Al-Muthanna
Z. A. Aboshnin University of Al-Muthanna
H. K. Abdul-Husseein University of Babylon

Keywords: ashwagandha, non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, meloxicam, induced hepatic-renal injury.

Abstract

Meloxicam is an effective member of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) family, with the main use for r e lieving inflammation and moderate to severe pain, but its use for treatment of acute and chronic conditions is associated with several adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. Ashwagandha Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ( Solanaceae ) is classified as an important component in Ayurvedic medicine due to its several health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pro p erties, which may offer protective effects against meloxicam-induced hepatic and renal damage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective properties of ashwagandha against meloxicam-induced hepatic and renal damage. We conducted the study using 21 male rats. These rats were randomly divided into three groups, with 7 rats in each group. These were the c ontrol group: admini s tered oral normal saline only , the m eloxicam treated group: administered 1.5 mg/kg via oral route for 20 days; the ashwagandha- m eloxicam treated group: administered a combination of ashwagandha (200 mg/kg) and meloxicam (1.5 mg/kg) orally for 20 days. The results revealed a significant decrease in the hepatic and renal parameters in the ashwagandha-meloxicam group compared to the meloxicam group. Histopathological study of the liver and kidney s show s a partial amelioration of the damage triggered by meloxicam in the ashwagandha-meloxicam group. This study concluded that t he administration of ashwagandha may impart protective effects against meloxicam-induced hepatic and renal damage in male rats. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ashwagandha may reveal its capacity to counteract the organ damage associated with NSAIDs use.

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