Background and Objective: Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent which, in high doses, causes liver and kidney necrosis in man and animals. Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) is a colorful and cheap plant that used often instead of saffron. In this study, protective effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. aqueous extract on acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in mice were investigated.

Methods: In this experimental study, forty adult NMRI male mice were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 (control group) received normal salin for 15 days. Group 2 received 300 mg/kg Carthamus tinctorius L. extract for 15 days. Group 3 received normal salin for 15 days and 500 mg/kg acetaminophen was given in 15^th day. Groups 4 and 5 received daily 150 and 300 mg/kg Carthamus tinctorius L. extract for 15 days, respectively, and acetaminophen was also given in 15^th day. In 16^th day, blood samples were taken for BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), Cr (Creatinine) and Uric acid tests, and the mice kidneys were removed for histopathology assessments.

Results: Acute renal necrosis and BUN, Cr and Uric acid levels were significantly increased in acetaminophen treated mice (P<0.05). BUN, Cr and Uric acid levels were significantly reduced in the Carthamus tinctorius L. treated groups in comparison to acetaminophen group (P<0.05) and this reduction was greater in group 5. Carthamus tinctorius L. extract also reduced tubular necrosis-induced by acetaminophen.

Conclusion: Carthamus tinctorius L. extract have protective effects on acute renal injury induced by acetaminophen.