Hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia assisted nephroprotective potential of Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) heine in streptozotocin/nicotinamide rodent model of type 2 diabetes

The investigation was aimed at testing the nephroprotective potential of methanol extract (MEHA) from Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in adult Wistar albino rats with streptozotocin (STZ)/ nicotinamide (NA)-induced diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Adult male albino Wistar rats with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels greater than 250 mg/dL were selected and randomly assigned to six groups after the induction of diabetes. The normoglycemic group (Group I) received oral saline, while diabetic groups (II-VI) received saline, MEHA at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and metformin (MET) at 180 mg/kg, respectively. MEHA and MET were administered orally as a 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) suspension from the 5^th to the 8^th week after diabetes induction. At week 8, comprehensive assessments were conducted to evaluate renal function, glycemic control, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress markers, and kidney histoarchitecture. MEHA treatment at 200 and 400 mg/kg and metformin demonstrated significant reductions in hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, improved renal function indices and reduced vacuolar degeneration in renal tubules was seen in diabetic rats following MEHA and MET administration. The present study provides compelling evidence for the renoprotective efficacy of MEHA against STZ/NA-induced DKD in rats. This effect is likely attributed to MEHA's hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties.