Protective Effects of Baicalein and Bergenin Against Gentamicin-Induced Hepatic and Renal Injuries in Rats: An Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study

Drug-induced organ toxicity is a significant health concern, with gentamicin known for its effective antibacterial properties but also severe side effects, particularly cytotoxicity in liver and kidney tissues. This current study observed the preventive role of baicalein and bergenin against hepatic and renal injuries caused by gentamicin in rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups, namely, control, gentamicin (gentamicin 80 mg/kg/day), baicalein (gentamicin 80 mg/kg/day + baicalein 100 mg/kg/day) and bergenin (gentamicin 80 mg/kg/day + bergenin 100 mg/kg/day). Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were induced by giving gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day). We evaluated the biochemical markers, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. Results: Gentamicin increased oxidative stress parameters and decreased antioxidant activity. The treatment with baicalein and bergenin significantly restored these markers. Conclusions: Baicalein and bergenin significantly mitigated gentamicin-induced hepatic and renal toxicity by restoring biochemical markers, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the protective effects of both compounds against organ damage. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two drugs for these parameters. These results suggest their potential as therapeutic agents to prevent gentamicin-induced organ toxicity.