Phytotherapy of cisplatin side effects: A case of two Filipendula species

Abstract

Cisplatin (CP), an inorganic complex of platinum, has been effectively used as a potent chemotherapeutic agent against various malignancies, but it causes a number of side effects, e.g., digestive tract disorders, vomiting, and toxic effects on different organs, particularly on kidneys. Besides that, CP use in cancer chemotherapy may be responsible for secondary malignancies. Therefore, a number of scientific studies are focused on ameliorating potential of medicinal plant products (phytotherapeutics) on reducing or preventing the negative effects of anticancer drugs, namely cisplatin. Especially polyphenolic compounds from plant origin (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, terpenes, etc.) showed significant activity towards modulation of cisplatin-induced toxicity. Genus Filipendula Mill. consists of over 20 plant species, two of which are growing in Serbia, Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and F. vulgaris Moench. Both plants are in use in traditional medicine based on their antirheumatic, astringent, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties and potential to treat kidney problems. Hence, the effects of aerial parts and roots methanolic extracts of F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris were investigated against cisplatin-induced kidney and liver injuries in rats along with the determination of their phytochemical composition. The obtained results showed that tested extracts, rich in polyphenolic compounds, attenuate cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress, reduce tissue damage, and enhance the antioxidative status of experimental animals during cisplatin application. Therefore, F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris extracts may be used as supportive agents for the prevention and amelioration of cisplatin side effects.