Abstract
Recognizing the therapeutic value of the Genus Fraxinus worldwide, this study evaluates the antioxidant potential of Fraxinus hookeri Wenz. (F. hookeri) against CCl(4)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty-eight rats are randomly allocated into eight groups (six rats each). Antioxidant enzymes, genotoxicity, urine and serum markers, and tissue histopathology are assessed to determine their nephroprotective effects. The Control group remains untreated, while the DMSO group receives vehicle olive oil intraperitoneally and DMSO orally (3 ml/kg). All other groups, except Control and DMSO, are given CCl(4) (3 ml/kg, i.p., in 30% olive oil) twice weekly for 4 weeks. The CCl(4) group receives only CCl(4). The Rutin group receives reference drug Rutin orally (50 mg/kg). MEFH100 and MEFH200 groups are given MEFH at 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, and NHFH100 and NHFH200 receive NHFH at the same doses. Rutin and F. hookeri treatment effectively (P < 0.05) restore urine and serum markers disrupted by CCl(4). CCl(4) reduced (p < 0.05) antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD) and increased TBAR levels and DNA damage, which are reversed by cotreatment with F. hookeri and Rutin. Histopathological improvements (P < 0.05) are also observed with F. hookeri. The results indicate that F. hookeri enhances antioxidant defenses, supporting its potential against CCl(4)-induced nephrotoxicity.