Renoprotective Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health challenge, often leading to severe metabolic and systemic complications such as diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress contribute significantly to renal impairment, characterized by glomerular hypertrophy, basement membrane thickening, and elevated plasma creatinine. This study investigated the renoprotective potential of aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Sprague Dawley rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups: normal control, negative control (diabetic untreated), positive control (diabetic treated with 500 mg/kg metformin), and treatment group (diabetic treated with 400 mg/kg Moringa oleifera leaf extract). Treatments were administered orally for 14 and 21 days, respectively. Renal parameters assessed included kidney weight, glomerular diameter, plasma creatinine levels, and histological alterations. Diabetic control rats exhibited marked renal abnormalities with glomerular disruption, tubular inflammation, and significantly elevated plasma creatinine. Administration of Moringa oleifera leaf extract, however, reduced plasma creatinine levels significantly compared to diabetic controls, restored glomerular architecture, and attenuated kidney hypertrophy and glomerular enlargement after 21 days. Moringa oleifera leaf extract demonstrated renoprotective effects likely mediated by its antioxidant bioactive compounds. These findings support its potential role as a complementary therapeutic agent for managing diabetic nephropathy.