Protective Effects of Neptunia oleracea Hydroethanolic Extracts Against Gentamicin Induced Liver and Kidney Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the protective effects of Neptunia oleracea hydroethanolic extract against gentamicin induced Oxidative stress in albino rats. The qualitative phytochemical screening identified flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids are present while glycosides, and cardinolides are absent. Acute-toxicity test showed an LD₅₀> 5000 mg/kg with no mortality or behavioral changes in the animals, while sub-acute exposure (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w, for 28 days) showed normal body weight gain. The 30 albino rats are used for the test and are divided in to six equal groups as:- Group-1, Positive Control (received distilled water); Group-2, Negative Control (received Gentamicin 80mg/kg I.p); Group-3, Standard Drug (received Gentamicin and silimarin 140mg/kg b.w orally); Group 4 to 6 received gentamicin and 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of N. Oleracea orally). Gentamicin administration led to marked elevations in biochemical markers of liver and kidney injury, including ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine, and urea, alongside decreased levels of albumin and total protein. It also caused histopathological damage and increased oxidative stress, confirming its toxic effects. Treatment with N. Oleracea hydroethanolic extract, especially at a dose of 400mg/kg, protected biochemical and histological parameters levels. The extract also significantly prevented oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activity, supporting its protective role. The efficacy of N. Oleracea hydroethanolic extract was comparable to that of the standard drug silymarin, indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative. Therefore, it concluded that N. Oleracea hydroethanolic extract has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.