Nephroprotective Effect of Mucuna pruriens, Moringa oleifera, and Milk Thistle Extracts against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid and often reversible decline in renal excretory function. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes AKI. APAP nephrotoxicity is mostly due to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As no effective treatment for AKI is available, researchers are looking for natural and safe alternatives using plants. In this study, they aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Moringa oleifera (Mor), Mucuna pruriens (Muc), or milk thistle (MT) at the biochemical and molecular levels in an APAP-induced AKI mouse model. Methods: AKI was induced in mice with a single intraperitoneal dose of APAP (1,000 mg/kg). The aqueous extracts of the three plants were given orally at 350 mg/kg daily for 21 days pre-AKI induction. Creatinine and BUN levels were measured in serum to assess kidney function. The oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators SOD, CAT, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α were determined using colorimetric and ELISA kits, respectively. SIRT1 protein levels were determined by Western blot. Results: Pretreatment with the three plant extracts significantly decreased the kidney biomarkers. SOD and CAT activities were enhanced with a decrease in MDA levels. IL-6 and TNF-α were also significantly lowered. A significant increase in SIRT1 expression was observed. Conclusion: Pretreatment with Mor, Muc, and MT has a nephroprotective effect against APAP-induced kidney injury, regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory response.