Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy is among the most severe diabetes complications and is a major worldwide contributor to chronic kidney disease. The progression of kidney damage is closely related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This study was conducted to assess the potential protective effect of hibiscus flower extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and its phospholipid-plant herb extract complex (phytosome) form against kidney damage in an alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy model in rats. The experimental study was carried out in the animal house of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University. An additional fifty male mice (200–250 g) were randomly allocated into seven groups: control (G1), alloxan-induced diabetic (100 mg/kg) (G2), corn lavender flower extract (G3), Phytosome (G4), metformin + extracts (G5), metformin + Phytosome (G6) and diabetic control: diabetic rats without treatment (G7). The treatment was given orally for four weeks. Biochemical tests and histological examination of tissues of kidney and pancreas were also performed for assessment of therapeutic effects. Compared to the diabetic control group, normal kidney functions were enhanced while oxidative stress and tissue damage were lower in phytosome formulation-treated rats. Phytosomes were more potent than the standard herbal extract, and metformin co-administration produced an additional protective effect. These findings indicate the possibility of hibiscus plant clinically used as a phytosome for the management of diabetic nephropathy.

Key words: Diabetes, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Metformin, Phytosome.