Nephroprotective activity of Alyssum meniocoides Boiss aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephrotoxicity in male mice

Using ethno-medicinal plants is the oldest way of mankind to treat the several diseases. Due to the rapid growth of global interest in use of medicinal plants, their effects and safety evaluation have become substantial. In this study, Alyssum meniocoides (AM) Boiss aqueous extract was extracted to investigate its nephroprotective activity on renal structural and biochemical changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephrotoxicity in male mice. In this study, 80 mice were used. Diabetes was experimentally induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in 70 mice. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were assessed everyday by glucometer strips. Mice with plasma glucose level > 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic. After 3 days, they were divided randomly into 8 groups. Groups 1 and 2 served as non-diabetic and untreated diabetic controls, respectively. Group 3 received 40 mg/kg glibenclamide orally. Groups 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were given 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg, respectively of AM for 20 days orally. At the 20th day, the mice were dissected, blood and kidney samples collected for biochemical and histological analysis. Histologically, several doses of AM could significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decrease the volume and length of the renal structures as compared to the untreated group. Biochemically, AM at all doses could significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduce the raised levels of urea and creatinine and increased SOD and catalase (CAT) levels as compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, AM has nephroprotective property, thereby reducing the causation of diabetes in experimental mice.