Protective Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Crataegus monogyna Fruit Extract Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Hepatorenal Oxidative Damage in Rats

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the protective potential of antioxidant-rich extract from Crataegus monogyna fruit against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced hepatorenal syndrome. Two doses of Crataegus monogyna extract (100 and 200 mg/Kg b.wt) were administered to normal (non-stressed) and stressed rats (hydrogen peroxide, 1%) for a period of 6 weeks. Phytochemical composition of Crataegus monogyna extract demonstrated the existence of various antioxidant compounds from different chemical classes, represented mainly by rutin (4731.05 mg/kg), epicatechin (1365.50 mg/kg), vanillin (343.10 mg/kg), and quercetin (327.36 mg/kg), among others; reported as having a high antioxidant capacity. Moreover, daily administration of H₂O₂ leads to a significant change in renal biochemical parameters, mainly creatinine, uric acid, and urea, as well as a notable increase in hepatic enzyme levels and a shift in both serum and urine renal electrolytes, a major sign of hepatorenal syndrome. The co-administration of Crataegus monogyna fruit extract significantly lessened the detrimental impact of oxidative stress on renal and liver function. Additionally, the extract significantly restored hepatic enzyme levels and renal biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated using the albumin denaturation test, showed an IC50 of 321.65±4.12 μg/mL. Hence, it is possible to conclude that Crataegus monogyna fruit extract constitutes a promising source of natural antioxidant agents against oxidative stress.