<i>Sasa veitchii</i> extract improves renal dysfunction and anorexia caused by cisplatin

Abstract Aim Sasa veitchii is known as “ kumazasa ” in Japan, and its hot‐water extract ( kumazasa extract) has long been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds and promote gastric health. The use of cisplatin, a widely used anticancer agent, is limited by several factors including severe nephrotoxicity and vomiting. The present study investigated the utility of kumazasa extract in treating cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity, anorexia, and weight loss. Methods Cisplatin was intraperitoneally administered to ddY male mice for 10 days. Kumazasa extract was administered orally starting seven days before cisplatin administration. Blood urea nitrogen levels, food intake, and body weight were measured to evaluate cisplatin‐induced side effects. In addition, the mechanism underlying the preventive effect of kumazasa extract on kidney injury was explored, focusing on the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the kidney. Results Mice treated with cisplatin‐alone exhibited significant weight loss over their control weight. Blood urea nitrogen levels nearly doubled of cisplatin treatment, and food intake was reduced. In contrast, the groups treated with cisplatin and kumazasa extract exhibited little increase in blood urea nitrogen levels, less decreased food intake, or minor weight loss. Analysis of renal mRNA expression levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 and catalase revealed that cisplatin treatment alone reduced their expression but kumazasa extract significantly restored catalase expression. Conclusion Kumazasa extract prevented cisplatin‐induced renal injury and anorexia. This suggests that catalase may be involved in protecting against cisplatin‐induced renal injury. The mechanism of kumazasa extract in preventing weight loss and anorexia requires further investigation.