Protective Effects of Luffa cylindrica Leaf Infusion Against Cisplatin and CCl₄-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats: Biochemical, Histopathological, and Molecular Docking Analysis

This study demonstrated the antioxidant potential of Luffa cylindrica leaf infusion (LLI) in alleviating oxidative damage induced by cisplatin and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as protocatechuic acid (PCA; 5.83 mg/g DW), naringenin (5.54 mg/g DW), chlorogenic acid (CA; 4.90 mg/g DW), and ascorbic acid (4.87 mg/g DW). In vivo results showed that LLI administration by gavage significantly improved kidney and liver functions, particularly at a dose of 40 mg/kg, as evidenced by serum biochemical markers for both organs. Furthermore, LLI pretreatment restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT activity while reducing MDA levels, indicating a protective effect against oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis revealed that LLI treatment reduced structural damage in liver and kidney tissues, confirming its protective capacity. Molecular docking studies revealed that naringenin, PCA, and CA exhibit strong binding affinities to SOD, potentially enhancing its activity synergistically. These findings suggest that LLI, rich in natural antioxidants, may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for mitigating oxidative stress-induced organ damage, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.