Nephrotoxic effect of cadmium and methods of correction using Chamaenerion angustifolium extract

Introduction. Cadmium is a widespread ecopollutant. When ingested, cadmium exhibits a nephrotoxic effect, contributing to the increased incidence of urinary system. Polyphenolic substances of plant origin can have a nephroprotective effect and neutralize the toxic effect of xenobiotics, and therefore it is important to search, develop and study ways to use promising correction drugs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of subchronic cadmium intoxication on the biochemical parameters of kidney damage, the body’s capacity for self‑recovery during the post-intoxication period, and the possibility of correcting disorders using Chamaenerion angustifolium extract with various methodological approaches.

Material and methods. Subchronic intoxication was performed with cadmium acetate at a dose of 1/50 LD₅₀ on 150 male Wistar rats. For correction, extract of Chamaenerion angustifolium enriched with enotein B was used in two variations: concurrently with the toxicant administration for 28 days and after the cessation of toxicant exposure for 28 days. Plasma levels of creatinine, uric acid, and urea were determined using standard photometric methods.

Results. A statistically significant increase in creatinine, uric acid, and urea was observed throughout the entire period of subchronic intoxication. After cadmium exposure ceased, no signs of complete renal function recovery were detected. Administration of Chamaenerion angustifolium extract resulted in a statistically significant reduction of these markers. Moreover, corrective measures during the exposure period and in the post‑intoxication period showed comparable efficacy.

Limitations. The limitations were related to the study design, using male rats and plasma as an object, as well as the lack of histological studies to analyze morphological changes in kidney tissues.

Conclusion. Cadmium affects the filtration capacity of the kidneys. The use of Chamaenerion angustifolium extract can significantly reduce the negative impact of the toxicant, and therefore this agent may be considered a promising option for correcting cadmium‑induced nephrotoxicity.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kursk State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Protocol No. 3 dated 17/10/2022) and conducted in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123) and Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.

Authors’ contributions:
Korolev V.A., Babkina L.A. – study concept and design;
Korolev V.A., Babkina L.A., Chertova R.Yu., Bushmina O.N., Ryzhaev V.A. – literature search, participation in the study, data processing;
Babkina L.A., Chertova R.Yu. – statistical analysis;
Korolev V.A., Babkina L.A., Chertova R.Yu., Bushmina O.N., Ryzhaeva V.N. – data analysis and interpretation;
Korolev V.A., Chertova R.Yu. – writing and editing.
All co‑authors approved the final version of the article and are responsible for the integrity of all its parts.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no apparent or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: March 19, 2026 / Revised: May 12, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

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