Effect of the Administration of Solanum nigrum Fruit on Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy in Streptozotocin‑induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Our previous study showed antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum Linn fruit (SNE). Objective: This study was designed to explore the antidiabetic and nephroprotective effects of SNE in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into nine groups to undergo two experiment protocols: Two groups served as nondiabetic controls (NDCs), while the other groups had diabetes induced with a single injection of streptozotocin. SNE‑treated diabetic (D‑SNE) and SNE‑treated controls (NDC‑SNE) received 1 g/L of SNE added to the drinking water and insulin‑treated diabetic (D‑I) for 8 weeks. Furthermore, there were four groups (D‑SNE, NDC‑SNE, D‑I, D) in the second protocol to examine diabetic nephropathy (DN) for 16 weeks. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) magnesium, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Both kidneys were isolated to measure MDA, NO levels, and renal damage. Results: SNE could decrease blood glucose level in diabetic rats. In addition, SNE was more effective than insulin in controlling blood glucose. SNE could decrease BUN, Cr levels, and kidney weight and damage after 8 and 16 weeks of administration. Plasma and kidney levels of NO and MDA also decreased. Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that SNE could play a role in the management of diabetes and the prevention of DN.