Evaluation of the Potential Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Psiadia Punctulata Leaves on Iohexol-Induced Nephropathy in Rats

Abstract

Psiadia punctulata is a medicinal plant found in Yemen, as well as in other African and Asian nations. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, three species, Psiadia incana, Psiadia punctulata, and Psiadia schweinfurthii, are among the most common in Yemen. Traditionally, it has been used to treat fever, malaria, skin infections, pain, renal calculi, and bone injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of Psiadia punctulata extract on iohexol-induced nephropathy in rats. Thirty-five adult male albino Wistar rats (180 ± 20 g) were used in this study. After a one-week acclimatization period, rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7). Group 1 received normal saline (1 ml P.O./rat) for 14 days as a normal control. Group 2 was administered iohexol (15 mg/kg, IP) on day 17. Group 3 received N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg, IP) for 14 days as a reference drug. Groups 4 and 5 were administered Psiadia punctulata leaves extract (200 and 400 mg P.O./kg, respectively) for 14 days. All groups were exposed to 72 hours of dehydration, and all groups, except the normal control, received furosemide prior to iohexol administration. Serum and urine samples were analyzed for renal function biomarkers (SCr, BUN, K+, TP, UCr, and CrCl), inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT, and SOD), and histopathological examination was performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way and two-way ANOVA with GraphPad Prism software (version 8.1.4), and a P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The effect of iohexol-induced nephropathy showed a non-significant difference in body weight and kidney index compared with other groups. The results showed significantly elevated renal function biomarkers (SCr, BUN, and SU) and significantly decreased UCr, CrCl, and serum TP in the IOH group compared to controls. Additionally, no significant difference in serum potassium levels was observed between the IOH group and the control group. The results demonstrated that IOH significantly increased proinflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA), while antioxidant biomarkers (GPx, SOD, and CAT) were significantly decreased. Treatment with NAC and both doses of Psiadia punctulata extract significantly reduced renal function biomarkers (SCr, BUN, and SU) compared to the IOH group, while significantly increasing UCr, CrCl, and antioxidant biomarkers (GPx, SOD, and CAT). Additionally, a high dose of Psiadia punctulata (400 mg/kg) showed the strongest protective effect, significantly increasing serum TP compared to the IOH group, and significantly increasing K+ levels compared to NAC and the 200 mg dose of Psiadia punctulata. Histopathological findings supported these biomarker results, demonstrating reduced renal tissue damage in the treated groups. The findings of this study indicate that Psiadia punctulata leaves extract exerts significant nephroprotective effects against iohexol-induced renal injury, primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The rich phenolic and flavonoid content of the extract supports its potential use as a preventive therapeutic option for contrast-induced nephropathy.