Protective effect of Basella alba leaf against diabetic nephropathy in rats

Chronic hyperglycemic condition leads to development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Basella alba is an important edible vegetable in India. Present study was conducted to inquire the effects of methanol extract from Basella alba leaf (MEBA) against diabetic nephropathy in rats. A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) was given to Wistar albino rats to induce diabetes. After 4 weeks of diabetes induction, the rats were divided into normal control group, disease DN group, MEBA treatment groups (200 and 400 mg/kg), metformin treatment group (150 mg/kg) and the treatment was continued for next 3 weeks. In MEBA treated groups there were marked improvements in blood glucose, ALP, ALT, total protein, serum lipid profile such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL levels and renal functions such as urine volume, urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance as compared to non-treated DN group. There was significant rise in malonaldehyde level, and decline in acivites of superoxide dismutase and reduced Glutathione (GSH) of kidney in diabetic rats as compared to normal control group rats. The MEBA treated groups showed dose dependent restoration of altered oxidative stress parameters. Moreover, from renal histopathology it was evident that the abnormal thickening of Glomerular basement membrane in kidney of diabetic rats were improved in MEBA treated rats. From the present study it can be concluded that, Basella alba leaf has marked protective effect against diabetic nephropathy and proteinuria in rats.