Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Emblica officinalis (Amla) Against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy is a common microvascular complication that affects 20-40% of individuals with diabetes worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of amla fruit against streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy using animal models.

Methods: The male Wistar rats procured for the study were divided into four groups randomly, G1 (negative control group), G2 (positive control group), G3 (rats receiving amla powder at 5% of their diet), and G4 (rats receiving amla powder at 7% of their diet). Diabetic nephropathy was induced using streptozotocin at a dose of 65 mg/kg. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis quantified the bioactive constituents of amla. Physical, glycemic, oxidative, inflammatory, and renal biomarkers were assessed periodically.

Results: HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of high levels of vitamin C, gallic acid, and quercetin in amla. Amla supplementation significantly improved body weight, controlled kidney hypertrophy, reduced blood glucose levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT), and suppressed inflammatory cytokines. Renal function markers, including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine albumin, were significantly improved in the amla-treated groups. The 5% amla diet showed slightly superior effects compared to the 7% amla diet, although the differences were not statistically significant.

Discussion: The findings suggested that amla mitigates DN progression by targeting key pathological pathways, particularly oxidative stress and inflammation. Its bioactive compounds appear to modulate glucose homeostasis, restore antioxidant defence, and reduce inflammatory responses. The findings also suggested a potential non-linear dose-response relationship, indicating 5% as a more effective dietary inclusion.

Conclusion: Conclusively, amla fruit effectively alleviated streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by controlling oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperglycemia.