Dryopteris dilatata leaf extract ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in male Wistar rat

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM), and it is linked to higher morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. The quest for cheap therapeutic strategy with lesser side effects remains a major health concern. However, Dryopteris dilatata is a commonly found flavonoid-rich plant with plethora of therapeutic potentials. This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of D. dilatata (MEDd) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in male Wistar rat. Methods Animals were randomly selected into five groups (n = 5) and were treated as follows; group 1 received distilled water (10 mL/kg), group 2 received only STZ (60 mg/kg), groups 3 and 4 received STZ then 400 and 800 mg/kg of MEDd, respectively, while group 5 received STZ then pioglitazone (10 mg/kg). Following 14 days of treatment, animals were euthanized, and blood as well as pancreas and kidney tissues were collected for further studies. Results Our results revealed that MEDd significantly reduced STZ-induced hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Markers of oxidative injury (MDA, nitrite, and GSH) were also significantly ameliorated in the pancreas and kidney of the diabetic rats following treatment with MEDd. However, renal function markers (creatinine and urea) were significantly attenuated with marked decreased in organ weight in the diabetic rats after treatment with MEDd. Also, serum insulin and corticosterone levels were restored following MEDd treatment. Conclusion Methanol extract of D. dilatata demonstrated anti-diabetogenic and reno-protective potential by enhancing in vivo reno-pancreatic antioxidant defense system.