Nephroprotective and Cytotoxic Assessment of Moringa concanensis Leaf Extract in Gentamicin-Induced Renal Injury in Rats

Background: Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity is a significant clinical concern, characterized by tubular necrosis and impaired renal function. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, along with the in vivo nephroprotective potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Moringa concanensis (ELMC), against gentamicin-induced renal injury in rats. Materials and Methods: ELMC was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to identify its active constituents. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and cytotoxicity was evaluated via the MTT assay on HEK 293 cells. For in vivo analysis, 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (gentamicin 100 mg/kg i.p. for 10 days), Groups 3 and 4 (ELMC at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg p.o. for 16 days, respectively, alongside gentamicin), and Group 5 (ascorbic acid 45 mg/kg p.o. as standard). Renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, uric acid, and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), while kidney homogenates were analyzed for Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Histopathological examination of kidney tissues was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and tannins in ELMC. The extract demonstrated notable antioxidant activity and exhibited no cytotoxic effects on HEK 293 cells. In vivo, ELMC treatment significantly improved renal biomarkers and enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels, while preserving renal histoarchitecture in comparison to the gentamicin-only group. Conclusion: ELMC exhibits potent nephroprotective effects against gentamicin-induced renal damage, likely attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent; however, further mechanistic and clinical studies are necessary to validate its efficacy.