Effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Extract on Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Hyperglycemia and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a significant role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a plant with high flavonoid content with the potential to suppress oxidative stress activity in cells and tissue. This study was aimed to investigate the role of Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) in protecting kidney damage due to the formation of AGEs in the renal glomerulus in diabetic rats.

A total of 30 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: normal control group, streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic group, STZ-induced diabetic group with AP extract (100 mg/kg BW), STZ-induced diabetic rats with AP extract (200 mg/kg BW), and STZ-induced diabetic rats with APE (400 mg/ kg BW). Blood glucose levels were measured before treatment and after treatment. Serum and urine parameters were determined. Antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney along with histopathological examination.

The finding of this study showed that treatment APE at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ameliorated kidney hypertrophy index. SOD, catalase, and GSH activities significantly decreased in the kidney of STZ-diabetic rats compared to the normal control rats. Treatment with APE significantly decreased malondialdehyde level at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW.

This study revealed evidence for improving diabetic retinopathy in male rats treated with Andrographis paniculata extract. APE significantly decreased oxidative stress activities in kidney of diabetic rats.