Dose-related effects of eugenol: Exploring renal functionality and morphology in healthy Wistar rats

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology 2025-02, Vol.196, p.115244, Article 115244
• Main Authors: Carvalho, Renner Philipe Rodrigues, Costa, Rosiany Vieira da, Carvalho, Isadora Ribeiro de, Viana, Arabela Guedes Azevedo, Lopez, Camilo Ramirez, Oliveira, Mariana Souza, Guimarães-Ervilha, Luiz Otavio, Sousa, Wassali Valadares de, Bastos, Daniel Silva Sena, Miranda, Edgar Diaz, Nogueira, Fábio César Sousa, Machado-Neves, Mariana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clove oil; Kidney; Oxidative stress; Syzygium aromaticum; Toxicology
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2025.115244

Eugenol has pharmacological properties, but its impact on renal function is limitedly studied. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of eugenol at 10, 20, and 40 mg kg−1, administered via gavage for 60 days, on histological, biochemical, oxidative, and proteomic parameters in rat kidneys. Adult Wistar rats treated with 10 mg kg−1 of eugenol had kidneys with low total antioxidant capacity, high nitric oxide content, and high percentual of blood vessels, with no damage to renal function or morphology. The kidney proteome revealed an upregulation of proteins associated with energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. Eugenol at 20 mg kg−1 did not alter kidney histology but inhibited Na+/K+ ATPase activity. This dose elicited an upregulation of proteins associated with mitochondrial function and cellular defense. Finally, 40 mg kg−1 eugenol had more pronounced effects on the kidney, increasing serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, inhibiting Na+/K+ ATPase activity, triggering an adaptive response to oxidative stress, and showing apical brush border thinness in proximal tubules. We concluded that eugenol exerted dose-dependent effects on kidney function and morphology. These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration of eugenol's dosage in therapeutic applications. •Eugenol elicited an enrichment of oxidative and mitochondrial pathways in kidneys.•Low-dose eugenol upregulated proteins from energy metabolism and oxidative stress.•20 mg kg−1 eugenol reduced Na+/K+ ATPase activity without tissue damage.•Eugenol at 40 mg kg−1 inhibited Na+/K+ ATPase and disrupted electrolyte homeostasis.•The highest dose elicited an adaptive response against ROS to protect renal tissue.