Pharmacological studies on the efficacy of a thymoquinone-containing novel polyherbal formulation against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of a novel polyherbal formulation against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in six groups of rats. Group I: Normal control; Group II: cisplatin (5 mg/kg i.p.); Group III: cisplatin (5 mg/kg i.p.) + cystone (750 mg/kg p.o.); Group IV: cisplatin + Costus speciosus, Fumaria indica, Cichorium intybus, and thymoquinone (CFCT) (25 mg/kg p.o.); Group V: cisplatin + CFCT-50; Group VI: cisplatin + CFCT-100. The rats were treated for 4 weeks. Serum and tissue biochemical parameters were assessed. The results showed that aspartate aminotransferase (131.8 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (66.75 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (168.67 IU/L), cholesterol (135.15 IU/L), serum urea (56.76 mg/dl), blood urea nitrogen (47.52 mg/dl), and creatinine (3.11 mg/dl) were significantly elevated (p < .001), while total protein (79.02 g/L) was reduced (p < .001) in the cisplatin group. These results were complemented by the outcomes of antioxidant parameters. Finally, CFCT formulation significantly ameliorated cisplatin toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, it is revealed that the administration of novel polyherbal formulation (Costus speciosus, Fumaria indica, Cichorium intybus, and thymoquinone [CFCT]) containing Costus speciosus, Fumaria indica, Cichorium intybus, and thymoquinone ameliorated cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury in rats. The ameliorative effects against cisplatin toxicity could be via contributing to the antioxidant defense system, by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. This study aimed at being beneficial to cancer's patients, as they are compelled to take cisplatin, and ultimately suffer from the consequences of irreversible nephrotoxic damage. Furthermore, CFCT formulation could be considered as a dietary supplement for the reduction of cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in cancer patients on cisplatin treatment. However, further clinical study is necessary.