Ameliorative Effect of Justicia carnea Methanol Leaf Extract against Nephrotoxicity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the antioxidant capabilities of methanol extract from Justicia carnea leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats, emphasizing its nephroprotective potential. Thirty-six (36) Wistar albino rats were randomized into six (6) groups (n=6/group). Group 1 served as the normal control, while groups 2-6 were induced with diabetes using 50 mg/kg of STZ intraperitoneally. Group 2 remained untreated, group 3 received 50 mg/kg body weight of Metformin, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were administered 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg body weight of the methanol Justicia carnea extract, respectively. Parameters assessed included fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight changes, acute toxicity, and oxidative stress markers. Acute toxicity testing indicated no deaths at 5000 mg/kg of the extract. The extract significantly lowered FBG levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats (p < 0.05). The control group exhibited the highest weight gain compared to the treated groups (p < 0.05). Treatment with the extract notably increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (p < 0.05) compared to diabetic controls. Overall, the methanol extract of Justicia carnea ameliorated oxidative stress in the kidneys of diabetic Wistar rats, suggesting its potential to mitigate nephrotoxicity associated with type I diabetes-induced kidney damage. These findings underscore its therapeutic promise in combating oxidative stress-related complications of diabetes.