Antioxidant and Renal Protective Effects of Combined Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava Leaf Extract in Phenylhydrazine Induced Rats
Orororo, O. Clement *
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Efejene, I. Ofejiro
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
Aisuodionoe, M. Eromosele
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
Ogheneruemu, F. O.
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Ojo, J.
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biherbal extracts have been reported to have greater antioxidant effects as a result of the synergistic properties of the compounds they contain. Thus, this study assessed the ameliorative effects of combined leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava on oxidative stress and kidney function in phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced rats. Twenty (20) Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=5): neutral control (Group A), PHZ-induced negative control (Group B), PHZ-induced and treated with oreifer (positive control – Group C) and PHZ-induced treated with combined Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava extract (200mg/kg orally – Group D) for 7 days post-PHZ induction. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT), the level of reduced Glutathione (GSH), and the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed in kidney homogenates. Additionally, serum levels of creatinine and urea were measured to determine kidney function. The results revealed that PHZ induction led to a significant decrease in the activities of SOD, CAT, and the level of GSH coupled with a marked increase in MDA levels (p<0.05), indicating severe oxidative stress. Furthermore, PHZ caused a significant elevation in serum creatinine and urea (p<0.05), suggesting compromised kidney function. Treatment with the combined extracts of Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava demonstrated a significant restorative effect. The extracts led to a notable increase in the activities of SOD and CAT, and a recovery in GSH levels (p<0.05). There was also a significant reduction in the elevated levels of MDA, creatinine, and urea (p<0.05). These findings suggest that the combined hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava possess potent antioxidant and nephroprotective properties, effectively mitigating the oxidative damage and renal dysfunction induced by phenylhydrazine in rats.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava, oxidative stress, kidney, phenylhydrazine