Protective Role of Pycnogenol against Hepatorenal Toxicity Cyclosporin A–Induced in Rats

This study investigated the protective potential of Pycnogenol against cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced toxicity in rats, with emphasis on oxidative stress modulation and histopathological changes. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). The animals received Pycnogenol (10 mg/kg) and CsA (25 mg/kg body weight/day) according to the following design: control group, Pycnogenol group, CsA group, Pycnogenol pre-treatment followed by CsA group, and concurrent Pycnogenol plus CsA group. Hematological parameters, lipid profiles, hepatic and renal function markers, oxidative stress biomarkers, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were assessed. CsA administration caused a significant decrease in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration, while platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils, hematocrit, lymphocytes, monocytes, lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers, serum LDH, and oxidative stress biomarkers significantly increased compared with the control group. In contrast, Pycnogenol treatment markedly ameliorated these alterations, restoring most parameters toward normal levels. These findings suggest that Pycnogenol exerts a protective role against CsA-induced hepatic and renal damage, likely through its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic adjunct in mitigating CsA toxicity.