Effects of Tephrosia purpurea and Momordica dioica on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

Present study investigated the effects of Tephrosia purpurea (TP) and Momordica dioica (MD) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in wistar rats. Rats were divided into 12 groups (n = 6). Diabetes was induced with a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg i.p.). Day 4 of the study was considered first day of the study as administration of ethanolic extracts of TP leaves and MD fruits were started on 4th day. In protective regimen (initial 26 days of experimental period), ethanolic extract was administered orally at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, whereas curative regimen began after 26 days and continued up to 40 days. Diabetic control group was considered as standard for comparison. Serum glucose, urea, creatinine and urine albumin levels were significantly lower in treated groups as compared to the diabetic control. Malondialdehyde was significantly (P < 0.001) lowered in treated groups as compared to diabetic control group. Treated groups have shown significant increase (P < 0.001) in reduced glutathione level which was reduced in diabetic control group. Change in body weight was found to be non-significant in treated groups. It was concluded that TP leaf and MD fruit extracts can provide a radical cure for drug-induced diabetic nephropathy by a reduction in renal damage.