Evaluation of Nephroprotective and Antidiabetic Effects of Gundelia tournefortii Aqueous Extract on Diabetic Nephropathy in Male Mice

Background and objectives: Due to the rapid growth of global interest in use of ethno medicinal plants, their effects and safety assessment have become substantial. Gundelia tournefortii has been used as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agent. In the present study, nephrprotective and antidiabetic properties of Gundelia tournefortii aqueous extract (GTAE) on diabetic mice has been assessed. Methods: Seventy mice were used and diabetes was induced by administration of 150 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally in 60 mature male mice and they were randomly divided into 6 groups. Also one group (10 mice) was considered as the negative control group which received normal saline. The treatment groups received glibenclamide 10 mg/kg (G10) and 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of GTAE through gavage for 20 days. Also, one group was considered as the non-diabetic control. On the last day, levels of blood glucose, urea and creatinine were measured in serum. After tissue processing, 5 μm sections of the kidneys were prepared and were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and used for stereological analysis. Results: GTAE at all doses and G10 significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the raised levels of blood glucose, creatinine and urea as compared to the untreated diabetic mice. Multipledoses of GTAE and G10 significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the volume and length of renal structures, compared to the diabetic untreated group. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, GTAE groups can regulate the levels of biochemical parameters and inhibit kidney damages in alloxan induced diabetic mice. It appears that GTAE can be suggested for treatment of diabetes as an anti-diabetic supplement or drug.