Nephroprotective and antioxidant properties of a novel herbal extract combination in a high-fat diet and alloxan-induced kidney injury in rats

Objectives: The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of a standardized capsule combination consisting of Channa striata, Phyllanthus niruri L., and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extracts (CCE) on biomarkers of kidney function, antioxidant status, and kidney histopathology in a high-fat diet (HFD) and alloxan-induced diabetic/nephrotoxic rat model. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into 4 groups: Control; HFD + alloxan treatment (diabetics/nephrotoxic); diabetics/nephrotoxic + CCE (49.5 mg/kg BW); diabetic/nephrotoxic + CCE + pioglitazone treatment group (1.35 mg/kg BW). Serum Cystatin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and kidney histopathology were assessed at Day 60. Results: Model induction markedly increased blood glucose, HbA1c, and serum Cystatin C levels and decreased SOD activity (p < 0.001 vs controls). CCE significantly attenuated cystatin C by decreasing Cystatin C by 18.2% (p < 0.001) and restored SOD activity to 94.0% of control (p < 0.001). Histopathology showed marked improvements in glomerular hypertrophy, tubular injury, vascular congestion, and inflammatory infiltration (p < 0.001 vs model). CCE + pioglitazone showed comparable biochemical trends and enhanced histological preservation. Conclusions: CCE combination significantly attenuated diabetic/nephrotoxic-induced kidney injury by improving antioxidant defense and preserving kidney structure. This suggests therapeutic potential for managing metabolic kidney complications.