The pericarp extract of Prunus persica attenuates chemotherapy-induced acute nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in mice

The fruit of Prunus persica L. (peach) is one of the common fruits. Its seed is well known as a traditional medicine (Persicae Semen) in Japan, China, and other Asian countries. However, the biological activities of P. persica fruit except its seed are poorly understood. This study was aimed at evaluating the protective effect of the pericarp extract of P. persica (PPE) against cisplatin-induced acute toxicity in mice. PPE (500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant protection against the acute nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by a single administration of cisplatin (45 mg/kg, i.p.) over a 16-hour period in mice. Its protective effect was evaluated by serum and tissue biochemical parameters. The pretreatment with PPE for 7 days prevented the cisplatin-induced decrease in the kidney and liver weights as a percentage of the total body weight. PPE significantly inhibited both the cisplatin-induced elevation in serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels caused by kidney damage and the cisplatin-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels by the liver damage. In addition, the administration of PPE caused recovery of the cisplatin-mediated changes in levels of serum nitric oxide and tissue lipid peroxidation, and reduced glutathione content returned to control levels. These results suggest that PPE protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity by reducing cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in mice.