TITLE:
Protective Effects of Combination Therapy with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Sitagliptin against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress
AUTHORS:
Naznin Shahria, Mst. Farjana Khatun, Md. Khalid Saifullah, Md. Siam Talukder, Farjana Sharmin, A. H. M. Khurshid Alam, Mamunur Rashid
KEYWORDS:
Moringa oleifera, Diabetic Nephropathy, Nephroprotective Effects, Streptozotocin, Oxidative Stress
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: Diabetic nephropathy, a kidney complication of diabetes, is often associated with oxidative stress. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract, alone and in combination with sitagliptin, at a comparatively lower dose against streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress. Thirty (30) Swiss Albino male rats were allocated into five groups. Except for the normal control group, diabetes was induced using a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Over a 4-week experimental period, the effects of STG (Sitagliptin, 100 mg/70kg BW), MoLE (Moringa oleifera leaves extract, 200 mg/kg BW), and STG + MoLE (integrative therapy of Sitagliptin, 50 mg/70kg BW with ethanolic M. oleifera leaves extract, 100 mg/kg BW) were evaluated. The study assessed blood glucose, serum insulin and kidney function markers such as creatinine, urea, uric acid and calcium and protein level (albumin), as well as endogenous enzyme (SOD, CAT). The STG, MoLE, and STG + MoLE (combination therapy) groups showed a significant reduction (p Moringa oleifera leaf extract and its combination with sitagliptin exhibited antidiabetic activity by decreasing blood glucose and increasing insulin levels, and nephroprotective effects by normalizing albumin and renal functional parameters by minimizing oxidative stress by increasing endogenous antioxidant enzyme.