BIOCHEMICAL AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MODULATION BY SWERTIA CHIRAYITA EXTRACTS IN CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE-INDUCED NEPHROTOXITY IN RATS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2026v19i2.57029Keywords:
Swertia chirayita, Phytochemical screening, Antioxidant activity, Cyclophosphamide, Oxidative stress, Biochemical parameters, NephroprotectionAbstract
Objective: The present study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and protective effects of Swertia chirayita extracts against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced biochemical and oxidative stress alterations.
Methods: Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared and screened for phytoconstituents, extractive values, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, where the methanolic extract exhibited superior free radical inhibition with a lower IC₅₀ value compared to the aqueous extract. Cytotoxicity assessment in yeast models revealed no toxic effects, confirming extract safety. In vivo studies in CP-treated rats demonstrated significant improvement in biochemical parameters, including serum creatinine (Cr), urea, uric acid, protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutathione, catalase, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β levels.
Results: Both extracts, particularly the methanolic extract at higher doses, showed significant (p<0.05–p<0.001) marked amelioration of biochemical parameters, suggesting a strong protective role. Moreover, S. chirayita demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential by markedly decreasing TNF-α and IL-1β levels compared to the CP group. Growth curve analysis demonstrated a protective effect of S. chirayita extract on oxidative stress–sensitive Δtrx2 yeast strains, indicating its antioxidant and stress-protective potential.
Conclusion: These findings highlight S. chirayita as a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and cytoprotective potential against CP-induced toxicity.
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