IN VIVO EVALUATION OF THE RENOPROTECTIVE ROLE OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI IN DIABETIC RATS INDUCED WITH STZ: UREA AND CREATININE
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycemia, which progressively leads to multi-organ complications, including diabetic nephropathy. The kidney is particularly vulnerable due to increased oxidative stress, altered filtration activity, and metabolic derangements associated with the disease. This study investigated the renoprotective effects of the ethanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ, and rats were subsequently treated orally with graded doses of the extract (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg body weight). Serum biochemical indices of kidney function, including creatinine, urea, and electrolytes, were evaluated. The results showed that induction of diabetes caused significant disturbances in renal biomarkers, including reduced creatinine and urea levels, suggestive of glomerular hyperfiltration. Treatment with Phyllanthus niruri extract significantly reversed these alterations and restored biochemical parameters toward normal levels, indicating improvement in renal function. These beneficial effects are likely associated with the plant's rich phytochemicals, which have antioxidant and nephroprotective properties. Therefore, the findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus niruri in preventing or alleviating diabetic renal damage, especially during early nephropathic changes.
Keywords: Phyllanthus niruri; Diabetes mellitus; Streptozotocin; Renal biomarkers; Creatinine; Urea; Nephroprotection; Oxidative stress.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.