Ameliorative Effect of Andrographolide on Folic Acid-induced Nephrotoxicity: Insights from Oxidative Stress and Histopathological Evaluations

Abstract Introduction: Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is essential for one-carbon metabolism but can cause renal toxicity at high levels. Herbal remedies such as Andrographis paniculata , rich in andrographolide, are gaining popularity due to their safety and low cost. This study evaluated andrographolide’s protective effect against folic acid-induced kidney injury in mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups ( n = 6): Group 1: control, Group 2: folic acid (250 mg/kg, i.p., single dose), Group 3: andrographolide per se , and Group 4: andrographolide (10 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 14 days) after folic acid induction. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), antioxidant status, and kidney histology were assessed. Results: Folic acid (Group 2) caused marked increases in creatinine and BUN, reduced antioxidant levels, and severe renal histopathological lesions. Andrographolide treatment (Group 4) significantly improved serum parameters, restored antioxidant activity, and showed near-normal kidney architecture compared to Group 2. Group 3 showed no adverse changes. Conclusion: Andrographolide effectively attenuated folic acid-induced nephrotoxicity by improving renal biomarkers, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and preserving kidney structure. It shows promise as a natural nephroprotective agent.