Nephroprotective Effect of Cinnamon cassia and Azadirachta indica on Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Introduction: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) has gained a lot of focus in today's world owing to its wide usage in several industries. The hazardous effects of TiO2 and its nanoparticles are also slowly revealing. The need for a proper cure of these toxic effects is of utmost importance. Due to its few side effects, medicinal plants can be an efficient source of remedy but are least considered compared to synthetic medicines. Cinnamomum cassia and Azadirachta indica are the most common of such medicinal plants used extensively in Pakistan and India. In this study, we carried out experiments to know the toxic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles in kidneys using a murine model and observed the ameliorating effects of Cinnamomum cassia and Azadirachta indica on the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles. Methods: Rats were given a subcutaneous injection of TiO2 nanoparticles at the dose of 150mg/kg body weight for 28 days along with oral administration of Cinnamomum cassia and Azadirachta indica alone and in combination. Results and Discussion: Both Cinnamomum cassia and Azadirachta indica at doses of 100 or 150mg/kg reduced the toxic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles evident from reduced alterations in kidney histopathology and also decreased DNA damage. Conclusion: It was concluded that Cinnamomum cassia and Azadirachta indica showed remedial or healing effects against nephrotoxicity in rats exposed to TiO2 sublethal doses.