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Abstract
Nephrotoxicity, a key trigger of kidney failure (AKI), often arises from therapeutic agents, metabolic disturbances, or toxic metabolites, leading to tubular necrosis, oxidative stress, and impaired renal function. Folic acid–induced nephrotoxicity is a firm experimental typical for studying renal damage. Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae), commonly known as Kadamba, has long been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammation, fever, and hepatic disorders. Its leaves are rich in bioactive phytochemicals comprising bioactive constituents like alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that possess significant antioxidant and protective effects against cellular damage.The purpose of the learning was to assess the kidney-protective potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Neolamarckia cadamba (EENC) against folic acid–induced renal injury in Wistar rats. Five groups of 6 rats each were randomly selected from among the animals (n = 6). Group II was given folic acid (250 mg/kg), while Group I was certain saline (1 mL, p.o.) as the standard reference, Group III received folic acid along with ascorbic acid (250 mg/kg), while Folic acid and EENC were administered to Groups IV and V at doses of 200 mg per kg and 400 mg per kg, respectively.
All treatments were given orally for 14 consecutive days. Renal function was evaluated by determining blood urea nitrogen (BUN) & serum creatinine levels to evaluate the protective effect of the extract, urine volume, and creatinine clearance. Antioxidant markers, including glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were evaluated, and histopathological examinations were conducted to assess renal tissue integrity.Folic acid administration resulted in significant nephrotoxicity, evidenced by increased creatinine and BUN with reduced clearance. Oral administration of EENC at both 200 and 400 mg/kg markedly restored renal biochemical parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and preserved renal histoarchitecture in a dose-related way. The results designate that the ethanolic leaf extract of Neolamarckia cadamba exhibits strong kidney-protective effects, likely due to its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing potential. These results provide scientific validation for the customary application of N. cadamba as a natural remedy for renal protection.