Sasikumar Dhanarasu , Afaf F Almuqati

For correspondence:-  Sasikumar Dhanarasu   Email: sdhanarasu@uhb.edu.sa   Tel:+966-5016-76038

Received: 2 August 2024        Accepted: 19 November 2024        Published: 30 December 2024

Citation: Dhanarasu S, Almuqati AF. Allicin-mediated renal protection in mitigating streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats through comprehensive restoration of kidney function and morphology. Trop J Pharm Res 2024; 23(12):2025-2033 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v23i12.7

© 2024 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of allicin, a vital garlic component, against streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney damage in rats. Methods: A total of thirty male albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six rats each, with groups II – IV induced with diabetes using a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Group I served as normal control while Group II was untreated diabetic control, receiving vehicle injections. Diabetic rats in Groups III and IV were treated with allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate, DATS, 20 mg/kg/day orally for 15 days) and aminoguanidine (AG, 100 mg/kg/day orally for 15 days), respectively, while Group V rats served as normal control rats receiving DATS only. Various biochemical, and kidney marker assessments and histological examinations were conducted at the end of treatment. Results: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats exhibited significant (p < 0.05) alterations in body weight, kidney metrics, kidney markers and renal histopathology compared to normal control (Group I). Treatment with DATS showed significant improvements in body weight, kidney metrics and biochemical markers (p < 0.05) indicating potential nephroprotective effect against diabetic nephropathy by significantly restoring kidney weight, protein levels, albumin, potassium, sodium and other urinary markers (p < 0.05). Furthermore, DATS effectively reversed STZ-induced renal damage with outcomes comparable to standard drug (aminoguanidine). Conclusion: Administration of DATS in rats with nephropathy from diabetes may have kidney protective benefits. The study highlights allicin’s potential as a therapeutic agent in managing diabetic complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy, prompting further exploration prior to future use.