The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(3):135-140 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14302

Research Article

Protective effects of Spirulina powder and its ethyl acetate fractions against potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats

Kounouho R. Adounkpe Kougblenou^1,2 , Yendubé T. Kantati¹ , Povi Lawson-Evi¹ , Kossi Metowogo¹ , Aklesso Mouzou¹ , Kwashie Eklu-Gadegbeku¹

Kounouho R. Adounkpe Kougblenou,Yendubé T. Kantati,Povi Lawson-Evi,Kossi Metowogo,Aklesso Mouzou,Kwashie Eklu-Gadegbeku

1. Physiopathology Bioactive Substances and Innocuity Research Unit (PSBI), Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
2. Institut Régional pour le Développement et la Santé (IREDESA), Ex CREDESA (Centre Régional pour le Développement et la Santé), 01 BP1822 Pahou-Cotonou, Bénin

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 12th April, 2025 / Accepted: 13th June, 2025 / Published : 31st July, 2025

Abstract

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Background: Spirulina Dou Bogan (SPD) is a strain of the green algae Spirulina platensis produced at IREDESA (Pahou, Benin). We have previously shown that SPD (75 mg/kg, body weight, bw) protects against chronic high fructose administration-induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of SPD to protect the nephrons of SD rats against acute renal injury induced by potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇). Materials and Methods: Five groups of eight SD rats each were formed and pretreated daily by gavage with SPD (75 mg/kg, bw), the ethyl acetate fraction of SPD (EAF 75 mg/kg, bw), and the aqueous fraction of SPD (AQF 75 mg/kg, bw) for 10 days consecutively. On day 8, animals were injected with a single dose of K₂Cr₂O₇ (15 mg/kg, s.c). After 48 hours, renal (creatinine and urea) and liver (AST and ALT) markers were monitored on blood samples, when malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) quantifications, and histopathological analyses were realized on kidney tissues. Results: SPD and EAF significantly reversed the deleterious effects of K₂Cr₂O₇ on urea and creatinine levels. EAF effects, in particular, indicate possible antioxidant mechanisms, as illustrated by the decrease in MDA production and enhancement of glutathione levels in the kidneys of animals treated with SPD and EAF compared to K₂Cr₂O₇-treated animals. As expected, SPD and EAF treatments restored the histopathological changes induced by K₂Cr₂O₇. Conclusion: In addition to its antidiabetic properties, SPD's nephroprotective properties make it an excellent nutraceutical for managing chronic diabetic conditions.      

Keywords

Spirulina “Dou Bogan”, Potassium dichromate, Nephroprotection, Rats

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