Nephroprotective effects of balanites aegyptiaca (L.) delile stem-bark extract and fractions against diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) is a medicinal plant locally used in Northern Nigeria against kidney-related diseases, but no scientific proof yet. The study evaluated the nephroprotective effects of B. aegyptiaca stem-bark extract and fractions. Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups of six animals each as follows: normal control, induced control, Silymarin (positive control, 100 mg/kg) and B. aegyptiaca extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg). Nephrotoxicity was induced in all groups except normal control by oral administration of Diclofenac sodium (15 mg/kg/day, p.o). Treatments were administered orally concomitantly with Diclofenac sodium for 15 days. On the 16th day, Wistar rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for the estimation of serum levels of creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. N-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were also tested alongside the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg. Kidneys were harvested for histopathological analysis. N-Butanol fraction at 500 mg/kg significantly (p˂0.05) decreased the elevated serum levels of MDA, urea and creatinine and significantly (p˂0.05) increased the serum levels of albumin, SOD, CAT and reduced GSH. Ethyl acetate fraction (250 mg/kg) also caused significant changes on the altered serum levels of creatinine, urea, total protein and albumin and oxidative stress biomarkers. Histopathological analysis showed that 15 mg/kg Diclofenac sodium caused nephrotoxicity while the extract and fractions ameliorated the nephrotoxic effects. From this study, stem-bark extract and fractions of B. aegyptiaca were protective against Diclofenac induced nephrotoxicity.