Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of Acacia nilotica pods in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

Although a wide array of medicinal plants plays a role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, there are few reports of the application of herbal medicines in amelioration of renal damage. The present study examined the effect of methanolic extract (25 and 50mg/kg body weight) of Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile (Leguminosae) pods in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 30 days, and its biochemical, histopathological and histochemical study in the kidney tissues. Diabetic rats exhibited loss of body weight, hyperglycemia, elevated of serum urea and creatinine. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) was observed in diabetic kidney. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of the lymphocytes in the interstitial spaces, glomerular hypertrophy, basement membrane thickening and tubular necrosis with loss of their brush border in some of the proximal convoluted tubules in diabetic rats. Daily oral administration of Acacia nilotica extract reversed the adverse effect of diabetes in rats. Acacia nilotica extract lowered blood glucose levels, restored serum urea and creatinine and body weight loss. In addition, Acacia nilotica extract attenuated the adverse effect of diabetes on LPO, SOD and GSH activity. Treatment with Acacia nilotica was found to almost restore the normal histopathological architecture of kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and ameliorate mitochondrial succinic deydrogenase. However, glomerular size and damaged area showed ameliorative effect after treatment with the extract. In conclusion, the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties of Acacia nilotica extract may offer a potential therapeutic source for the treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: Acacia nilotica, streptozotocin, biochemical, histopathological, antioxidant activity