The Effect of Polygonum hyrcanicum Extract on Nephropathy in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy, characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, poses a management challenge. This study investigates the effect of Polygonum hyrcanicum extract on diabetic nephropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The P.hyrcanicum extract was prepared using multiple macerations. Thirty male Albino mice, divided into five groups, were induced with alloxan-induced diabetes. They received intraperitoneal injections of the plant extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and metformin (300 mg/kg) for four weeks. Kidney and blood samples were collected to assess protein carbonyl, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, TNF- and IL-6 levels. The amount of total flavonoid and phenolic content in the hydroalcoholic extract of P.hyrcanicum were 7.5±0.3 mg of quercetin and 88.2±1.3 mg gallic acid per gram of extract respectively. The antioxidant activity level of the hydroalcoholic extract was determined to be 1.78 ± 0.51 mM equivalent per gram of extract. Alloxan administration resulted in a significant reduction in glutathione levels and a significant increase in protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation, TNF- , and IL-6 levels. P.hyrcanicum extract demonstrated potential in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetic nephropathy. However, no significant difference was observed between the two injection doses (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) in reducing toxicities.