Potential Nephroprotective Effect of Kaempferol: Biosynthesis, Mechanisms of Action, and Clinical Prospects

Kidney is an essential organ that is highly susceptible to cellular injury caused by various toxic substances in the blood. Several studies have shown that untreated injuries to this organ can cause glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and tubular cell apoptosis, leading to kidney failure. Despite significant advancements in modern treatment, there is no fully effective drug for repairing its function, providing complete protection, and assisting in cell regeneration. Furthermore, some available medications have been reported to exacerbate injuries, showing the need to explore alternative treatments. Natural drugs are currently being explored as a new therapeutic strategy for managing kidney diseases. Kaempferol, a polyphenol found in plants, including vegetables, legumes, and fruits, has been extensively studied in various nephrotoxicity protocols. The compound has been reported to have potential as a nephroprotective agent with beneficial effects on various physiological pathways, such as CPL-induced kidney injury, DOX, LPO, ROS, RCC, and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, this study aims to provide a brief overview of the current nephroprotective effects of kaempferol, as well as its molecular mechanisms of action, biosynthesis pathways, and clinical prospects.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of Castanopsis costata extract in rats

The liver and kidneys are important organs for body homeostasis but susceptible to damage or injury caused by different factors. A number of medicinal plants, such as Castanopsis costata have been proven effective in protecting the liver and kidneys from damage. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of C. costata extract (CcE) on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat model. Each treatment group was given CcE at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 21 and 8 days for hepatoprotective tests and nephroprotective tests, respectively. To induce liver and kidney damage, rats were given paracetamol 1,000 mg/kg orally for 7 (15-21) and gentamicin 80 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 5 (4-8) days. To assess liver function, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), total cholesterol (TC), total albumin (TA) and total protein (TP) were measured, as well as liver antioxidant enzymes. Meanwhile, to assess kidney function, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), serum urea (SU) and uric acid (UA) were measured. TNF-α and IFN-γ were also measured with histopathology testing to assess the effects of liver and kidney organ damage in each experiment. The results showed that CcE reduced the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TB and TC, increased TA, TP and liver antioxidant enzymes, as well as reducing SCr, SU and UA when compared with the pathological group. Additionally, CcE reduced the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ, as well as improving the structure of liver and kidney tissue as confirmed by histopathology. CcE had hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects on paracetamol-induced and gentamicin-induced rats, respectively.

Pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Castanopsis costata leaf fractions (water, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions): the potential medicinal plants from North Sumatra, Indonesia

Background and purpose

Inflammation, fever, and pain can be associated with several diseases, and the synthetic drugs used in the treatment of these conditions often have severe side effects. As a result, there is a need for effective, economical, and safe alternative drugs, such as those derived from medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Castanopsis costata leaf fractions (CcLF), as well as its acute toxicity.

Experimental approach

For anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic tests, rats were given CcLF (WFCC, EAFcC, and n-HFCC) at 50 and 100 mg/kg, diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg), paracetamol (150 mg/kg), aspirin (100 mg/kg), and tramadol (20 mg/kg). For the antioxidant activity test, various concentrations of CcLF were used ranging from 25 to 200 μg/mL. This study also looked into whether there could be any acute toxicity and histopathology of the liver, stomach, and kidneys in experimental animals.

Findings/Results

The administration of CcLF significantly inhibited the increase in foot edema volume, and CcLF (EAFCC at 100 mg/kg) considerably decreased rectal temperature and was proportional to the standard drug paracetamol, and significantly inhibited pain sensation in various models. Additionally, CcLF showed strong antioxidant activity, and its administration at a dose limit of 5000 mg/kg/day did not show any toxic effects or death in test animals.

Conclusions and implications

The results of the current confirmed that CcLF has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and antioxidant properties in experimental models, and is practically non-toxic.