Beneficial effects of Sanguisorbae Radix in renal dysfunction caused by endotoxin in vivo

The effect of Sanguisorbae Radix extract, a traditional crude drug, was inv estigated in renal dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxi n. Injection of LPS in rats resulted in a sharp rise in the serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine (Cr), indicating impairment of renal function . Nitrite and nitrate levels and the activity of inducible nitric oxide syn thase (iNOS), an enzyme which participates in NO synthesis, were also signi ficantly increased in the serum of LPS-treated rats compared with normal ra ts. In rats pretreated with Sanguisorbae Radix extract, renal dysfunction w as attenuated and the increases in serum urea nitrogen and Cr induced by LP S were significantly reduced. The administration of Sanguisorbae Radix extr act also effectively lowered serum nitrite/nitrate level. A similar effect was observed on the iNOS activity. These results indicate that Sanguisorbae Radix extract contributes to the regulation of renal function under condit ions where there is excessive generation of NO.