Nephroprotective effects of polyherbal extract via attenuation of the severity of kidney dysfunction and oxidative

Mohd Adnan Kausar1, Kehkashan Parveen2, Waseem A Siddiqui2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ma.kausar@uoh.edu.sa.

Insights

This study shows a polyherbal extract protects kidneys from diabetes-induced damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It offers potential as a natural treatment for diabetic kidney disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology
  • Diabetology

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus.
  • Persistent hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are key drivers of kidney damage in diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the nephroprotective effects of a polyherbal (PH) extract in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.
  • To evaluate the impact of PH extract on kidney function, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Diabetic nephropathy was induced in rats using streptozotocin (55 mg/kg).
  • Rats were treated with PH extract for 56 days.
  • Kidney injury was assessed through biochemical markers, inflammatory cytokine levels, redox status, and histopathological examination.

Main Results:

  • STZ-induced diabetes resulted in hyperglycemia, impaired renal function, elevated inflammatory cytokines, and increased oxidative/nitrosative stress.
  • PH extract treatment significantly improved glycemic control, glomerular function, and proximal reabsorption markers.
  • PH extract administration restored elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and normalized the disturbed redox status, supported by histopathological improvements.

Conclusions:

  • The polyherbal extract exhibits significant nephroprotective effects against diabetic kidney injury.
  • These protective effects are attributed to the extract's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • PH extract shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetic nephropathy, warranting further clinical investigation.

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