Banisterine Alleviates Morphine‑based Nephrotoxicity by Antioxidant Property: An In vivo Study

Background: Banisterine (BAN) as an alkaloid agent has antioxidant properties. The morphine (MOR) with the character of free radical generation has an effective role on renal pathogenesis. Objectives: This investigation critically examines the effects of the BAN against MOR‑induced damage to the kidneys of rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty‑four male Wistar rats were randomly assorted into 8 groups (8 rats in each), including the saline (Sal), MOR, BAN (5, 10, 15 mg/kg) and MOR + BAN treatment groups. All experimental procedures were applied by intraperitoneal injection daily for 20 days. Whole investigated values consist of total animal weight, weight of kidney, morphological criteria of kidney, antioxidant capacity and serum nitrite oxide levels. Results: Intraperitoneally MOR application significantly increased the levels of renal Malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine, and blood nitrite oxide and also reduced the glomerular number and tissue ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) level compared to the Sal control group (P < 0.05). Treatment of BAN and BAN + MOR in all doses significantly reduced the levels of BUN, MDA, creatinine, glomerular diameter, and nitrite oxide and also increased the glomerular number and tissue FRAP levels compared to the MOR group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings support the idea that the BAN with its antioxidant nature can eliminate MOR renal toxicity.