Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes (DIAB)-related renal dysfunction is one of the most severe complications of the condition, which comes to an end with chronic renal failure. Aim: This study aimed to examine if Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) root extract could help protect kidneys from damage caused by DIAB in rats. Methods: DIAB was induced in four experimental rats groups (n = 10) by injecting STZ (65 mg/kg). One of the DIAB groups was left untreated, and the other three groups were treated with either E. purpurea root extract alone (200 mg/kg), metformin (Met) alone (200 mg/kg), or both together. A group of healthy rats (control) was also used for comparison. Results: In contrast to the DIAB group, E. Purpurea root extract alone and combined to Met improved body weight, kidney index, kidney function (creatinine and urea), and renal pathology. Compared to the DIAB group, the ingestion of E. purpurea extract alone or in combination with Met reduced blood glucose levels, bringing them back into the normal range in the combination group and ameliorating hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) levels. The extract group's antioxidant effect was clearly demonstrated by the decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) kidney concentrations in the extract group alone or in combination with Met where the combination showed superior activity. The extract group's anti-inflammatory effect was observed from the reduced serum levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-6 in the extract group alone or mixed with Met, where the mixture showed a better action. Conclusion: In rats, E. purpurea root extract ameliorated DIAB-related nephrotoxicity induced by STZ. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the extract may be the underlying mechanisms.