Eucommia ulmoides bark protects against renal injury in cadmium-challenged rats.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a perennial woody plant distributed widely in China. To characterize some major compounds in E. ulmoides bark extract, six compounds were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography qualitative analysis. E. ulmoides bark extract protects against cadmium-induced oxidative damage in rat kidneys. Two compounds of E. ulmoides bark extract, geniposide and genipin, which were identified both in serum and in kidney tissue, showed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production. This study provides biological evidence supporting the usefulness of E. ulmoides bark against cadmium-induced toxic oxidative stress in rat kidney tissue.