Scientific publications
Mireille Flaure Metchi Donfack
Jacquy Joyce Wanche Kojom
Zemo Gamo Franklin
Christelle Stéphanie Sonfack
Dafane FN Nkwayep
Calvin Bogning Zangueu
Augustine Nkojap Kuinze
Russelle CN Tchatchouang
Alain Bertrand Dongmo
The Journal of Phytopharmacology
Background: Gentamicin is an effective aminoglycoside antibiotic whose clinical use is limited by nephrotoxicity mainly associated with oxidative stress and tubular damage. Objective: This study investigated the nephroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. (Fabaceae) against gentamicin-induced renal injury in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant effect of plant extract was evaluated on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide (NO) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), at the concentration range from 1 to 1000 µg/mL. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered concomitantly. Renal function biomarkers (serum creatinine, urea, uric acid), urinary parameters, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase), and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: In vitro antioxidant effect of the aqueous extract showed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 108.30 and 226.10 µg/mL for DPPH and NO assay respectively. Gentamicin significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and malondialdehyde levels while decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.001). Treatment with the extract markedly attenuated these biochemical disturbances, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, and improved renal histoarchitecture by reducing tubular necrosis and glomerular alterations. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the aqueous extract of D. adscendens confers significant protection against gentamicin-induced renal damage, likely through antioxidant mechanisms, supporting its traditional use in renal disorders.
