Effect of enhydra fluctuans on kidney function in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common chronic microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by hyperglycemia. The previous studies demonstrated the antidiabetic effect of Enhydra fluctuans, but there is no evidence of its impact on the kidneys function of diabetic rats. AIM: This study aims to explore the effect of the n-hexane fraction of aerial parts of E. fluctuans on kidney function in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Five groups of diabetic Wistar rats were investigated: Group 1 received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (Na-CMC), Group 2 received glibenclamide 0.45 mg/kg, Groups 3, 4, and 5 received a dose of n-hexane fraction 57.03, 114.06, and 171.09 mg/kg, respectively. The experiment was completed in 21 days. The blood glucose was estimated on day 0 and day 21 of treatment. In addition, histology of kidney, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine was examined. RESULTS: The n-hexane fraction of aerial parts of E. fluctuans significantly reduced blood glucose. Furthermore, the 57.03 mg/kg dose showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose compared with control. The histological characteristics revealed that aerial parts of E. fluctuans reduced renal tissue damage in diabetic rats. Renal function measures showed that rats treated with n-hexane fraction had better kidney function, as lower BUN and creatinine levels were seen. CONCLUSION: Aerial parts of E. fluctuans have improved kidney function of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. These findings demonstrate the potential of E. fluctuans as a drug to treat diabetes mellitus and DN.