The effect of Polygonum hyrcanicum Rech. f. hydroalcoholic extract on oxidative stress and nephropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy, characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, poses a management challenge. This study investigates the effect of Polygonum hyrcanicum extract on diabetic nephropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. In this experimental animal study, the P. hyrcanicum extract was prepared using continuous macerations. Thirty male Albino mice, divided into five groups, were induced with alloxan-induced diabetes. They received intraperitoneal injections of the plant extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and metformin (300 mg/kg) for four weeks. Kidney and blood samples were collected to assess protein carbonyl, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The amount of total flavonoid and phenolic content in the hydroalcoholic extract of P. hyrcanicum were 7.5 ± 0.3 mg of quercetin and 88.2 ± 1.3 mg gallic acid per gram of extract respectively. The antioxidant activity level of the hydroalcoholic extract was determined to be 1.78 ± 0.51 mM equivalent per gram of extract. Alloxan administration resulted in a significant reduction in glutathione levels and a significant increase in protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Hydroalcoholic extract of P. hyrcanicum effectively reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), indicating its potential in mitigating diabetic nephropathy. However, no significant difference in efficacy was observed between the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses in terms of reducing these toxicities.