Effects of bi-herbal extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Curcuma longa on adenine-induced chronic kidney disease model in rats

Abstract

Over the years, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a major public health problem and a significant contributor to the overall non-communicable disease burden globally. Novel medications or natural products as dietary supplements need to be developed, to minimize the effect of the disease or slow down the degradation of kidney functions. The present study was carried out to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Curcuma longa on adenine induced chronic kidney disease in rats. The present study was conducted on 36 Sprague-Dawley rats, randomly divided into 6 different groups. CKD was induced in the group Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ, and Ⅵ by adenine @ 200 mg/kg body weight daily through the intragastric route for 28 days. Group Ⅰ served as control and was given standard pelleted diet. Group Ⅱ served as adenine control and was given adenine for 28 days. Next four group was prophylactic group, received bi-herbal aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Curcuma longa, along with adenine, for 28 days. In group Ⅲ and Ⅳ, bi-herbal aqueous extract was given at the dose rate of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Group Ⅴ and Ⅵ received bi-herbal alcoholic extract with dose rate of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The haemato-biochemical evaluation, urine assessment, ultrasonographic and histopathological examination were performed to assess nephroprotective effect. Compared to the control group, the adenine control group had decreased bodyweight and food intake. Adenine-treated group also significantly increased the blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, phosphorus, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, and reduced the serum calcium, albumin, total protein, and urine creatinine. Besides, adenine also reduced the serum uromodulin level and gave positive test for proteinuria. Ultrasonographic examination of kidney of adenine treated showed undifferentiated cortex and medulla with hyperechoic structure. Histopathologically, adenine caused significant inflammatory changes to renal tissues compared with the normal control group. When administered concomitantly with adenine, bi-herbal plant extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Curcuma longa ameliorated all the measured adenine-induced physiological, biochemical, ultrasonographic and histological changes. We concluded from this analysis that oral bi-herbal extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Curcuma longa administration could potentially mitigate the adverse effect of chronic kidney disease that might be due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.