Nephroprotective Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Root Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Acute kidney injuries have become a worldwide public health issue. Cogongrass's roots have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory activities that support nephroprotection. This study aimed to evaluate the active components in the ethyl acetate fraction of cogongrass and their potential protective effects on renal function. Cogongrass root was macerated in 96% ethanol and fractionated in petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. The components of the ethyl acetate fraction were observed using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. The in vivo study included three treatment groups with orally administered doses of cogongrass fractions at 300, 350, and 400 mg/kg BW, as well as a normal and negative control. Intraperitoneal injection of 250 mg/kg BW folic acid was used to model acute kidney injury. Measurement of serum BUN and creatinine levels to determine kidney function, while kidney histology is observed for tubular kidney profiling. The active compounds of the cogongrass roots fraction were 5-methoxyflavone, chryptochlorogenic acid, and formononetin. Doses of a cogongrass roots fraction (300-400 mg/kg BW) decreased serum creatinine and BUN levels in acute kidney injury. However, the dose of 350 mg/kg BW had a lower tubular profile damage score, characterised by tubular cell swelling and necrosis, compared to other doses. The ethyl acetate fraction of cogongrass root showed significant therapeutic potential in overcoming folic acid-induced acute kidney injury.