Prospective Protective effect of Shilajit Aqueous Extract on Nephrotoxicity Induced by Cypermethrin in Albino Rats.

Cypermethrin (CYP) is a widely used pyrethroid insecticide in agriculture as a foliar application on food and feed crops, and in controlling insect pests in different sites. Shilajit has extensive medicinal value and is commonly utilized in the treatment of various diseases across the globe. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Shilajit exhibits some bioactive effects including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant effects. This work examined the potential protective properties of Shilajit aqueous extract against nephrotoxicity caused by CYP in albino rats. The study involved 24 male albino rats, which were distributed into four individual groups randomly as follows: normal control (standard diet), cypermethrin, low-dose Shilajit (CYP + 200 mg/kg Shilajit), and high-dosage Shilajit (CYP + 400 mg/kg Shilajit). The phenolic compounds of Shilajit aqueous extract were estimated. The serum concentrations of hepatic enzymes, albumin, total protein, kidney function, electrolytes (Na+ and K+), tumor necrosis factor-α, lipid profile, kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, organ weight, body weight, and histopathological examination outcomes were measured after 28 days. Results showed that treatment with Shilajit significantly dropped the values of liver enzymes, kidney function, TNF-α, K+ TG, TC, LDL-c, MDA, NO, and organ weight, while increased body weight, albumin, total protein, Na+, HDL-c, SOD and CAT compared with the cypermethrin group (p < 0.05). Further, Shilajit treatment improved of cypermethrin- induced histopathological changes in the kidney. The best results recorded for high-dose of Shilajit. These findings suggest that there is potential applicability of Shilajit as a potent protective agent for nephrotoxicity.