Lemon Pepper Extract Improves Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND: Prolonged uncontrol non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) leads to various complications. One of these complications is diabetic nephropathy. Around 24% of the US population suffered from diabetes between 2009 and 2014, and 25% suffered from chronic kidney disease. Lemon pepper fruit may become an alternative treatment from a natural product to prevent kidney damage in diabetic conditions.AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the kidney protection effect of lemon pepper extract in streptozotocin-induced Wistar rats with diabetic nephropathy.METHODS: This experimental study used 25 male Wistar rats grouped into five different groups. These groups were standard, control, lemon pepper ethanol extract (LPEE)-I, II, and III that were received Metformin, 0.5% Na-CMC, and lemon pepper ethanol extract at the dose of 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively.RESULTS: The intervention was performed for 14 days. The result showed that the standard, control, lemon pepper ethanol extract (LPEE)-I, II, and III significantly decreased the BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) and reatinine level (p < 0.05). Moreover, the histology study also showed some improvement of like preserved tubular and glomerular from necrosis.CONCLUSION: The highest lemon pepper ethanol extract dose significantly decreased the BUN (23.08%) and creatinine (59.49%) levels.