HPLC-based characterization and hepatorenal ameliorative effects of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) extract against anastrozole-induced toxicity in female rats: an experimental study

Abstract

Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor widely used in breast cancer therapy to suppress estrogen production; however, its prolonged use has been associated with adverse hepatic and renal effects. Natural products rich in bioactive constituents, such as Fragaria ananassa (strawberry), have attracted interest for their potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals present in an alcoholic strawberry extract and to evaluate its effects on liver and kidney tissues, as well as related biochemical parameters, in anastrozole-treated female rats. A total of twenty-four female albino rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 6 each): Group 1 received normal saline for 51 days and served as the control; Group 2 received anastrozole for 21 days; Group 3 received anastrozole followed by strawberry extract administration from day 22 to day 51; and Group 4 received strawberry extract for 30 days. All treatments were administered orally. Serum biochemical markers of liver and kidney function were assessed, and histopathological examinations of hepatic and renal tissues were performed. The strawberry extract was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for mineral analysis. HPLC and AAS analyses confirmed the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals, vitamins, and essential minerals in the strawberry extract. Anastrozole administration induced marked histopathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues, including inflammatory changes, sinusoidal disruption, necrosis, glomerular congestion, and a significant reduction in glomerular diameter (p < 0.05). These alterations were accompanied by significant elevations in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, and creatinine levels (p < 0.05). Administration of strawberry extract following anastrozole exposure was associated with significant improvement in both histological features and biochemical parameters. The findings indicate that administration of strawberry extract was associated with significant improvements in biochemical markers and histopathological features of anastrozole-induced hepatorenal injury in female rats. These findings support the potential ameliorative role of strawberry-derived bioactive compounds; however, further mechanistic studies and clinical investigations are required before translation to human applications.