Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Toxicology | Volume 4 Issue 1 | Pages: 1-9 | Doi : 10.37446/jet/rsa/4.1.2026.1-9

Research Article

OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 12-Jan-2026

Nephroprotective effect of seed extract and fractions of Telfairia occidentalis on doxorubicin-induced kidney injury in rats

• Jude Efiom Okokon
• Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.

Ugochi Queenette Nwosu
• Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.

Grace E. Essien
• Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.

Chinyelu C. Osigwe
• Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Ugonma F. Uwaeme
• Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae) is a vegetable whose seeds are utilised as soup thickener and for medicinal purposes locally in Nigeria was subjected to organ protective study against doxorubicin-induced kidney injury in rodents.  Extract and fractions (138 -553 mg/kg) of the seeds were investigated for renoprotective property against kidney injury caused by doxorubicin in rats.  Assessment for renoprotective activity was based on effects on indices of renal function, renal oxidative stress markers and kidney histology of the treated rats. Treatment of rats with doxorubicin was observed to elevate levels of creatinine, urea, and electrolytes which were subsequently lowered significantly (p<0.05 - 0.001) following T. occidentalis seed extract/fractions (276 - 553 mg/kg) administration. The seed extract and fractions coadministration with doxorubicin further improved GSH, GST, SOD, GPx and CAT levels that were lowered by doxorubicin significantly (p<0.01) relative to organotoxic control. Pathological observations in extract/fractions-treated rats’ kidney sections were prominently reduced relative to the doxorubicin only-treated rats. Chemical pathological effects corresponded with those of the histological observations indicating marked nephroprotective property which may partly be acting through the activities of phytoconstituents of the plant. The plant, Telfairia occidentalis seed extract and fractions exhibited antidotal potential which may be beneficial in counteracting doxorubicin related toxicities.

Keywords

organprotective, Telfairia occidentalis, drug toxicity, vegetable

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