Vol. 10, Issue 11, Part B (2025)

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl?) is a well-known potent hepatonephrotoxic agent that causes oxidative stress and damage of tissues by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Malva sylvestris (MSE), the herbal plant of the Malvaceae family, is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. MSE possesses strong antioxidant properties, which makes it effective against the abovementioned types of CCl?-related nephrotoxicity. This research aimed to investigate the potential of Malva sylvestris leaf extract (MSE) against the kidney damage caused by CCl? in male rats.
Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into the following four groups: Control, CCl?-treated, CCl?+ MSE (100 mg/kg body weight), CCl?+ MSE (200 mg/kg body weight). Two weeks of animal administrations were applied. Rats were intoxicated with CCl? to develop RF animal models through an intraperitoneal route while orally treated with MSE daily for two weeks. Kidney parameters such as BUN and Creatinine and oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters, such as MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH, were evaluated in kidney tissue homogenates.
Results: CCl? significantly elevated MDA levels and suppressed SOD, CAT, and GSH, meaning severe oxidative stress and lack of antioxidant defense. MSE treatment at both doses strongly defended against these changes and showed a dose-dependent amelioration. It effectively reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced SOD, CAT, and GSH activity close to the normal standard levels.
Conclusion: The results confirmed the strong nephroprotective effects and the potential of Malva sylvestris leaf extract, which coped with CCl?-caused oxidative damage. MES through its antioxidant mechanism reestablished the redox equilibrium against oxidative stress in renal tissues.