Evaluation of the Role of Luteolin in Improving Anemia in Rats with Paracetamol-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Author(s):
Sabreen Kadhim Salih, Ennas Mohamed Majhwol
Date: 09/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890
Abstract
Paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity is frequently associated with disturbances in renal function and
hematological parameters, including the development of anemia. The present study was designed to
investigate the potential protective effect of luteolin against anemia associated with paracetamol-induced
renal injury in adult male albino rats. Thirty-two healthy rats weighing 145–165 g were randomly allocated
into four equal groups (n = 8). The control group received standard diet and water only. The first treatment
group (T1) received paracetamol at a dose of 470 mg/kg body weight, whereas the second treatment group
(T2) received luteolin at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The third treatment group (T3) was
administered paracetamol (470 mg/kg) concurrently with luteolin (100 mg/kg). The experimental period
lasted for 30 days, after which blood samples were collected for biochemical, hematological, and iron
related assessments.
Administration of paracetamol resulted in significant renal dysfunction, as evidenced by elevated serum
concentrations of urea, creatinine, and uric acid (P < 0.05). Furthermore, paracetamol treatment
significantly increased ferritin and hepcidin levels while reducing body weight gain, serum iron
concentration, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and hematological indices, including hemoglobin (Hb),
mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular
hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, luteolin
administration alone did not induce significant alterations in the evaluated parameters. Co-administration
of luteolin with paracetamol significantly attenuated the adverse effects induced by paracetamol, leading
to improvements in renal function markers, iron homeostasis, and hematological parameters. Although
these values remained significantly different from those of the control group, they showed marked
recovery compared with the paracetamol-treated group.
These findings suggest that luteolin may exert a protective effect against paracetamol-induced
nephrotoxicity and its associated anemia, possibly through improving renal function and restoring iron
homeostasis.
Download Full Text