Abstract
Introduction: Ores plant (Juniperus excelsa) has been used for a long-time in the treatment of
kidney disease.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of J. excelsa extract on renal
function in male Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four
groups of eight rats. Distilled water was used for the healthy control group and the other
three groups received doses of 10%, 25% and 50% of the extract for one month. Prior to the
intervention and on the 15th and 30th days after intervention, 24-hour urine was collected
for measurement of protein, creatinine, and urine volume. On the 30th day, the rats were
anesthetized with ether and in addition to the urinary samples, serum samples were taken
directly from their heart to check for creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium. Additionally,
both kidneys were removed and examined for histological changes.
Results: There was a significant difference between the groups before and after intervention
regarding creatinine clearance (P=0.008). The mean serum urea on the 15th and 30th days of
study was respectively 93±37.33 and 86.47±71.07 mg/dL (P=0.001). In pathology examination,
minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells in the interstitium and mild decrease in thickness
of renal tubules was observed in 50% dose of the extract.
Conclusion: This study showed that the greatest impact of J. excelsa on the renal function of
the male Wistar rats was in doses of 50% of the extracts.