Nephroprotective Effect of Aged Black Garlic Extract as a Functional Flock Medicinal on Sodium Benzoate-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Albino Rats

Sodium benzoate, a common food preservative, has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and potential damage to various organs, including the kidneys. Aged black garlic (ABG) offers significant potential in supporting body health through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce cellular damage and inflammation and, thus, improve organ functions. The purpose of this investigation is to investigate the ameliorative effect of aged black garlic extract (ABG extract) on the nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by sodium benzoate. A total of thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups: Group 1: control; Group 2: orally given ABG extract (200 mg/kg bw) daily for 4 weeks; Group 3: administrated orally by sodium benzoate daily for 4 weeks; Group 4: cotreated with both ABG extract and sodium benzoate for 30 days. This included histological examinations, a histochemical demonstration of DNA contents, and an immunohistochemical demonstration of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3, as well as a biochemical evaluation of renal MDA, CAT, SOD, GPx, and IL-1 beta levels. Moreover, serum and urinary urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels were also determined, as well as serum C-reactive protein. FI (30 days), FER, and BWG% were calculated as well as urinary volume and protein being measured. The findings revealed that ABG extract significantly improved all histopathological and physiological changes (p < 0.05) induced by SB as renal tissue was significantly improved, DNA contents were restored, and capase-3 immunoreactivity was diminished. Additionally, oxidative and inflammatory markers, and renal function parameters, were significantly improved. These results showed that ABG extract possesses significant ameliorative effects against the nephrotoxicity induced by sodium benzoate; this may be mediated by its antioxidant activity.