Protective Effects of Viburnum opulus L. (Gilaburu) on Amiodarone-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

ObjectiveAmiodarone is a widely prescribed antiarrhythmicagent, yet hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic side effectsfrequently limit its clinical use. Viburnum opulus L. (Gilaburu),a fruit native to the Kayseri region of Türkiye,is notable for its antioxidative, antiproliferative, andanti-inflammatory properties. Its rich composition oforganic acids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, andvitamins suggests potential protective effects againstdrug-induced organ injury.Material and MethodThis study investigated the structural and biochemicalchanges induced by amiodarone in rat liver andkidney tissues, as well as the potential protective effectsof gilaburu. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (300–350g) were randomly assigned to four groups: control,amiodarone, amiodarone plus gilaburu, and gilaburu.Amiodarone was administered intraperitoneally at 100mg/kg/day for 10 days, while gilaburu fruit extract wasgiven orally at 100 mg/kg/day. At the end of treatment,hepatic and renal tissues were analyzed histochemicallyand immunohistochemically, and serum biochemicalparameters were assessed.ResultsHistological evaluation revealed pronounced hepaticand renal damage in the amiodarone group, which wasmarkedly reduced in the combined treatment group.Immunohistochemical staining for tumor necrosis factor-alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthase showedsignificantly higher expression in the amiodaronegroup compared with the combined group (p < 0.05).Biochemical analyses, including total antioxidant status,total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index,supported these findings.ConclusionGilaburu fruit extract demonstrated significant protectiveeffects against amiodarone-induced hepatic andrenal injury. These results highlight its potential as anatural antioxidant agent that may mitigate drug-inducedorgan toxicity.