A Siddha Drug Flueggea Virosa (Vellaipula) Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy: Protective and Elemental Safety Assessment

Abstract

Gaddam Dayanand Reddy, Rethinam Ganesan, Tadicharla Varalakshmi, Arshad Ali, Ashok Kumar and Jayaprasanna Kumar

One of the main microvascular consequences of diabetes mellitus and a major global cause of end-stage renal disease is diabetic nephropathy. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the nephroprotective effect of Flueggea virosa extract in experimental rats with diabetic nephropathy caused by streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were split into normal control, disease control, standard (metformin), and treatment groups that received low, mid, and high dosages of Flueggea virosa extract after a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ caused diabetes. To examine glycaemic state and renal function, biochemical markers such as blood glucose, HbA1c, serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid were measured. Antioxidant activity was assessed using oxidative stress markers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nitric oxide (NO).

To evaluate structural changes, kidney samples were examined histopathologically. Significant hyperglycemia, higher HbA1c, elevated renal function indicators, increased oxidative stress, and severe histopathological alterations were observed in STZ- induced diabetic rats. In order to ensure safety within allowable limits, heavy metal analysis of the extract was also performed using ICP-OES to ascertain the quantities of hazardous elements like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). In a dose-dependent way, Flueggea virosa extract treatment dramatically lowered blood glucose and HbA1c levels, enhanced renal function indicators, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced LPO and NO levels. Histological results, which demonstrated the restoration of normal renal architecture and decreased tissue damage, further supported the protective effect. In conclusion, Flueggea virosa extract exhibits significant nephroprotective activity, likely mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of diabetic nephropathy.

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