The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(4):190-198 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15401

Research Article

Antioxidant-mediated nephroprotective effects of the aqueous extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. against gentamicin-induced renal injury in Wistar rats

Christelle S Sonfack¹ , Dafane FN Nkwayep¹ , Mireille FM Donfack² , Calvin B Zangueu¹ , Jacquy JW Kojom^2,3 , Augustine K Nkonjap¹ , Russelle CN Tchatchouang¹ , Franklin G Zemo² , Albert D Atsamo^2,3 , Alain B Dongmo¹

Christelle S Sonfack,Dafane FN Nkwayep,Mireille FM Donfack,Calvin B Zangueu,Jacquy JW Kojom,Augustine K Nkonjap,Russelle CN Tchatchouang,Franklin G Zemo,Albert D Atsamo,Alain B Dongmo

1. Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
2. Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
3. Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Therapeutic Research, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 18th April, 2026 / Accepted: 7th July, 2026 / Published : 31st July, 2026

Abstract

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Background: Gentamicin is an effective aminoglycoside antibiotic whose clinical use is limited by nephrotoxicity mainly associated with oxidative stress and tubular damage. Objective: This study investigated the nephroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. (Fabaceae) against gentamicin-induced renal injury in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant effect of plant extract was evaluated on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide (NO) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), at the concentration range from 1 to 1000 µg/mL. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered concomitantly. Renal function biomarkers (serum creatinine, urea, uric acid), urinary parameters, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase), and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: In vitro antioxidant effect of the aqueous extract showed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 108.30 and 226.10 µg/mL for DPPH and NO assay respectively. Gentamicin significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and malondialdehyde levels while decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.001). Treatment with the extract markedly attenuated these biochemical disturbances, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, and improved renal histoarchitecture by reducing tubular necrosis and glomerular alterations.  Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the aqueous extract of D. adscendens confers significant protection against gentamicin-induced renal damage, likely through antioxidant mechanisms, supporting its traditional use in renal disorders. 

Keywords

D. adscendens, Nephroprotective, Gentamicin, Oxidative stress, Nephrotoxicity, Antioxidant.

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