Anti-oxidative and reno-restorative effects of physalis angulata (whole plant extract) in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

Backgroiound: Hyperglycemia has been reported to increase protein glycation and generation of free radicals which predispose to diabetic renal dysfunction. Physalis ahgulata has been shown to have hypoglycacmic and anti-lipidemic properties but there is dearth of information regarding its effect on kidney functions in diabetes. This study investigated the anti-oxidative and reno-restorative effects of methanol extract of whole plant of Physalis angulata (MEPA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methodology: Twenty male Wistar rats (150-180g) were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (control) received 0.2 ml distilled water, groups 2-4 were made diabetic by single intra-peritoneal dose of alloxan monohydrate (100mg/kg) and treated with 0.2 ml distilled water, 500 mg/kg MEPA and 150 mg/kg metformin respectively. All treatments were given orally for 14 days. Blood samples were collected from each animal through retro-orbital puncture. The serum obtained were analysed for fructosamine, glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Kidney samples were harvested into cold phosphate buffer, homogenized and centrifuged at- 7500rpm for 15 minutes. The supernatant obtained was analyzed for malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Values were compared using ANOVA at P<0.05.

Results: The MEPA-treated groups showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in blood glucose, kidney weights, fructosamine,. HbAlc, malondialdehyde, creatinine and BUN, while the body weights and SOD significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to diabetic untreated group.

Conclusion: Treatment with methanol extract of Physalis angulata (whole plant) reduced hyperglycemia, malondialdehyde and glycation end- products, which could have contributed to the development of diabetic nephropathy if diabetes is left untreated.