Aqueous Extract ofPhyllanthus niruriLeaves DisplaysIn VitroAntioxidant Activity and Prevents the Elevation of Oxidative Stress in the Kidney of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Abstract

P. nirurihas been reported to possess antidiabetic and kidney protective effects. In the present study, the phytochemical constituents andin vitroantioxidant activity ofP. nirurileaf aqueous extract were investigated together with its effect on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes levels in diabetic rat kidney.Results. Treatment of diabetic male rats withP. nirurileaf aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days prevents the increase in the amount of lipid peroxidation (LPO) product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the diminution of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity levels in the kidney of diabetic rats. The amount of LPO showed strong negative correlation with SOD, CAT, and GPx activity levels.P. nirurileaf aqueous extract exhibitsin vitroantioxidant activity with IC₅₀slightly lower than ascorbic acid. Phytochemical screening of plant extract indicates the presence of polyphenols.Conclusion.P. nirurileaf extract protects the kidney from oxidative stress induced by diabetes.