Assessment of Nephroprotective Activity of Piper betle Herbal Extract in Paracetamol-Induced Kidney Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Piper betle against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by administration of paracetamol, and the protective effect of the extract was assessed using biochemical, antioxidant, and histopathological parameters. Treatment with Piper betle extract significantly reduced serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid levels compared to the toxic control group. Antioxidant enzyme levels including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were significantly restored, while malondialdehyde levels were reduced. Histopathological examination revealed improvement in renal architecture with reduced tubular degeneration and inflammatory infiltration. The nephroprotective activity of Piper betle may be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings suggest that Piper betle could serve as a promising herbal therapeutic agent against drug-induced nephrotoxicity