Investigation of Aqueous Aerial Extract of Commelina diffusa (Dayflower) in Mitigating Doxorubicin-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the reno-ameliorative potential of the aqueous aerial extract of Commelina diffusa against doxorubicin-induced renal dysfunction in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats weighing 160–200 g were randomly assigned to five groups. Group I served as the normal control, while Group II served as the negative control and received a single intraperitoneal dose of doxorubicin (50 mg/kg) only. Groups III–V were administered doxorubicin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently treated with Commelina diffusa extract at doses of 166, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, for 21 days. Renal function and antioxidant parameters were determined using standard analytical procedures and Randox diagnostic kits. Treatment with Commelina diffusa, particularly at 500 mg/kg, significantly improved these parameters, with K⁺, HCO₃⁻, Na⁺, and urea levels reaching 2.05 ± 0.02 g/L, 9.88 ± 0.03 mmol/L, 97.76 ± 0.03 mmol/L, and 2.01 ± 0.38 mmol/L, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities were markedly reduced in the negative control group, with GPx, CAT, and SOD values of 10.73 ± 0.02 IU/g, 33.25 ± 0.03 mg/protein/min, and 4.22 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectively. Administration of Commelina diffusa at 500 mg/kg significantly enhanced antioxidant status, increasing GPx, CAT, and SOD activities to 22.93 ± 0.03 IU/g, 87.93 ± 0.03 mg/protein/min, and 18.93 ± 0.02 mg/g, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed severe renal damage in the negative control group, characterised by degeneration of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules and distortion of the glomerular capillaries. In contrast, rats treated with 500 mg/kg of Commelina diffusa exhibited near-normal renal architecture, including intact proximal and distal convoluted tubules and well-defined glomeruli. These findings indicate that Commelina diffusa possesses significant reno-ameliorative potential against doxorubicin-induced renal dysfunction, likely through the restoration of renal biochemical parameters and regeneration of damaged kidney tissues.