Effect of hypericum perforatum tea on renal histology and function

Abstract

Introduction: Hypericum perforatum consists of several biologically active compounds that may affect cell physiology. Objectives: This study attempted to estimate the effect and safety of a tea that was prepared from H. perforatum on renal histology and function. Materials and Methods: A double-blind controlled experimental trial was conducted on 25 male rats. These animals were divided into four groups. Three of them were labeled as the study groups, and each consisted of seven animals. The fourth group was labeled as the control group consisting of four animals that lived in the same environment and consumed the same food as the other groups. The animals in each study group consumed a prepared tea with a different concentration for each group. The herbal tea of H. perforatum was made as recommended by the local traditional preparation method. Doses of 3, 6, and 9 cc/kg/d were calculated and selected according to the recommendation. Each of these doses was given to each group of the experiment for four weeks mixed with water. Results: A slight increase in blood urea and serum creatinine and a decrease in serum albumin levels were noticed in the experimental groups compared to the control group. In addition, the weight of the kidneys in the study groups was more than the control group. There were microscopical changes in the renal histology that was noticed in the higher doses of H. perforatum tea. Conclusion: Higher doses of H. perforatum tea can induce damage to the renal tissue.