Phytochemical and Nephroprotective Evaluation of Caralluma Subulata From Jazan Province Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Through Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis In Rats

Objectives Cisplatin, a commonly utilized chemotherapeutic drug, is linked to dose-limiting nephrotoxicity caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This research assessed the phytochemical profile and nephroprotective efficacy of Caralluma subulata (Forssk.) Decne, a traditional medicinal plant from Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, in mitigating cisplatin-induced renal damage in rats. Methods The aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. subulata was examined against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were categorized into control group, cisplatin group only (7 mg/kg bwt), treatment group with cisplatin combined with C. subulata (100 and 200 mg/kg bwt), and C. subulata (200 mg/kg bwt) only groups. Results The treatment of cisplatin (7 mg/kg bwt) markedly increased serum creatinine levels (305%) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (389%) in comparison to the control group while oxidative stress markers MDA and inflammatory cytokines also significantly increased. Pretreatment with C. Subulata (CS100 and CS200 mg/kg bwt. for 15 days) significantly mitigated cisplatin-induced renal damage by reducing the creatinine by 36.68% to 64.39%, BUN by 53.38% to 74.12%, MDA by 26.08% to 77.87% as compared to cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Pre-treatment with C. subulata (CS100 and CS200 mg/kg bwt) also enhances the antioxidant enzymes GSH by 6.48% to138.40%, SOD by 6.81% to137.93% and CAT by 1.86% to 121.50%. Similarly, C. subulata treatment also significantly decreases the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α by 6.40% to 61.23%, IL-6 by 0.62% to 48.09% and apoptotic markers like caspase-3 reduced by 1.83% to 61.02%. These biochemical improvements were supported by histopathological evidence of reduced tubular necrosis and inflammation. Conclusion The studies demonstrate that C. subulata alleviates cisplatin nephrotoxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, so validating its traditional use and highlights its potential as an adjuvant therapy to attenuate chemotherapy-induced renal damage.