Journal of Biotechnology and Bioengineering Volume 3, Issue 4, 2019, PP 16-26 ISSN 2637-5362 Journal of Biotechnology and BioengineeringV3 ● I4 ● 2019 16 Nephroprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Parsley against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in the Male Rats Azab Elsayed Azab 1* , Fikry Ali Abushofa 2 , Halima M. A. Abdul Rahman 3 1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Libya. 2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zawia University, Libya 3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sabratha University, Libya *Corresponding Author: Azab Elsayed Azab, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Libya, Email: azabelsaied@yahoo.com INTRODUCTION CCl 4 does not occur naturally, it is a clear liquid with sweet smell that can be detected at low levels [1, 2]. Volatile organic compounds such as CCl 4 are a class of solvents to which many people are exposed occupationally and environmentally [2]. CCl 4 was formerly used for metal degreasing and as dry cleaning, fabric- spotting, and fire extinguisher fluids, grain fumigant and reaction medium. Because of its ABSTRACT Background: CCl 4 causes disorders in different body organs especially kidneys by generating free radicals. High exposure to CCl 4 can cause kidney damage. It produces renal diseases in human. Metabolism of CCl 4 involves in the production of free radicals through its activation by drug metabolizing enzymes located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Parsley has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activities, and probable immune boosting properties make it relevant in the traditional treatment of urinary tract infection, nephritis, and cystitis. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of parsley against the histopathological and biochemical alterations induced in the kidney by CCl 4 of male rats. Materials and Methods: 24 male rats were used for this study and divided into 4 groups. The first group was control group injected intraperitoneally with olive oil (1ml/kg of body weight) three time/week, the 2 nd was injected intraperitoneally with CCl 4 (1ml/kg of body weight) three time/week, the 3 rd was injected intraperitoneally with CCl 4 (1ml/kg of body weight) three time/week concurrently with receiving aqueous Parsley leaves extract (5g/kg body wt/day) by gastric intubation’s, the 4 th was injected intraperitoneally with CCl 4 (1ml/kg of body weight) three time/week concurrently with receiving aqueous Parsley leaves extract (20g/kg body wt/day) by gastric intubation’s, respectively for 4 weeks. The Kidneys were dissected out and specimens were taken and processed for light microscopic examinations. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid. Results: The results showed a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, K+, and Cl- concentrations and a significant decrease in serum Na+ concentration in rats treated with CCl4 compared with controls. Histopathological investigation of rats treated with CCl4 showed degeneration of epithelial lining and disruption of brush borders of the proximal convoluted tubules and presence of epithelial debris inside their lumens. The renal corpuscle appeared with degeneration of the glomerulus and disrupted Bowman's capsule. Extensive perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells and massive interstitial hemorrhage were seen. Co-administration of Parsley with CCl4 significantly dose dependent improvement in the structural changes in the kidney and the serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, K+, and Cl- concentrations were significantly declined and serum Na+ concentration was significantly increased compared with CCl4 treated group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, carbon tetrachloride has adverse effects on the kidney, it caused a serious pathophysiological changes in the kidney. Parsley aqueous extract was able to protect the kidney against these effects. So, the persons expose to CCl 4 should be advised to take parsley aqueous extract. Keywords: CCl4, Parsley, Nephrotoxicity, Nephroprotective, Renal pathophysiological changes, Histopathology