Evaluation of chicory leaf extract on chronic kidney disease model in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

This study aimed to evaluate Chicory leaf extract for its potential activity on CKD model in STZ induced diabetic nephropathy in Wistar albino rats. Diabetic nephropathy was by administering STZ (35 mg/kg) for a period of seven days, which was confirmed by estimating the blood glucose levels (> 250 mg/dl). After the successful model establishment, the rats were allowed a progression period to CKD for 3 weeks and confirmed by estimating the serum creatinine levels. Thereafter, the rats were treated with chicory leaf extract for a period of 6 weeks at the doses 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Changes in renal function related parameters in serum and urine were estimated along with histopathological studies. CKD rats exhibited renal dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced serum creatinine, increased blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and proteinuria, along with alterations in the antioxidant parameters like SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA, that were reversed by Chicory leaf extract. Chicory leaf extract was also found to markedly improve the histopathological alteration sin the CKD effected kidneys. Chicory leaf extract was found to be beneficial in rats with chronic kidney disease seen by the reversion of the altered parameters to almost normal range.