Polyphenolic compounds of litchi leaf augment kidney and heart functions in 2K1C rats

The study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective and cardioprotective effects of ethanol extract of litchi leaf (LI) in two-kidney-one-clip (2K1C) rat model. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several polyphenolic antioxidants in LI. Correspondingly, LI at 50–200 mg/kg reduced the level of oxidative stress markers (MDA, APOP, NO) and improved level of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD) in 2K1C rats. Besides, LI caused significant improvements in kidney and heart functions in 2K1C rats by reducing the plasma level of uric acid and creatinine as well as CK-MB. Consistent with the biochemical findings, histopathological data further confirmed that LI is effective in decreasing heart and kidney injuries, oxidative stress and inflammation which ensued in 2K1C rats. Collectively, the outcomes suggest that the LI enriched in polyphenolic antioxidants may provide the protection against excessive oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue injury, thereby improving the kidney and heart function in 2K1C rats.