Combined extract of Syzygium aromaticum and Xylopia aethiopica prevents renal damage and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetic nephropathy affects 20–40% of diabetes patients and has been reported to be the leading cause of end-stage renal failure in diabetes patients. The study aimed to investigate the potential of a combined extract of Syzygium aromaticum (cloves) and Xylopia aethiopica (Negro paper) to prevent renal damage and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 5). Diabetes was induced with 150 mg/kg of alloxan intraperitoneally in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. Group 1, the normal control; 2 diabetic untreated; 3 received 250 mg/kg of metformin; 4 and 5 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of combined extract, respectively. Treatment was for a period of 21 days, after which rats were euthanized under anesthesia to obtain blood for biochemical analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed numerous phytocompounds. Urea and creatinine levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the diabetic untreated group compared with test groups. Similarly, malondialdehyde followed the same pattern. Significant (p < 0.005) decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in group 2 as against groups 3, 4, and 5 was observed. Administration of the combined extracts reversed these effects. Total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 2 relative to test groups. Dose-dependent reduction of these parameters was recorded in groups fed with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the combined extract and 250 mg/kg of metformin. High-density lipoprotein-chol increased in groups 3, 4, and 5 compared with the untreated diabetic group 2. Severe and multifocal areas of renal tubular necrosis with marked infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes of the kidney were observed in diabetic untreated rats in comparison with treatment groups. The findings suggest that the combined extract possesses reno-protective potential, radical scavenging ability, and can ameliorate dyslipidemia.