The potency of ethyl acetate fraction of cempedak (Artocarpus champeden) leaves in attenuating the nephrotoxic effect in gentamicin-piroxicam-induced rat models.

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a condition characterized by a decline in kidney function due to the toxic effects of medications and substances, such as the nephrotoxic antibiotic gentamicin. Artocarpus champeden is a traditional medicinal plant that is commonly found in Indonesia.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Artocarpus champeden leaves (FEC) in improving kidney function in an animal model of nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin and piroxicam.

Materials and methods: Three groups of animals were treated with FEC at dosages of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW orally for four weeks following induction with 100 mg/kg gentamicin (Gen) intraperitoneally and 3.6 mg/kg piroxicam (Prx) orally. The nephroprotective effect of FEC was compared with the NaCMC (5%), ketosteril (55 mg/kg), and untreated groups as the normal, positive, and negative controls, respectively. The kidney biochemical examinations and histopathological analysis were conducted on the last day.

Results: Compared to the negative control group, FEC-treated animals showed significant improvement in kidney function, correlating with increasing doses. The test group also exhibited increased creatinine clearance and improved cell structure, comparable to samples treated with ketosteril. The nephroprotective effect of FEC is likely attributed to its flavonoid content, acting through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of A. champeden leaves demonstrated nephroprotective activity and has potential as a therapeutic agent for kidney damage and hypertension from natural sources.