Reno-protective effects of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. leaf extract in a gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity model in mice

Abstract

Background: Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a leading cause of acute kidney injury, with gentamicin, a commonly prescribed aminoglycoside, known to cause dose-dependent renal impairment. Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) is a leguminous plant rich in phytochemicals with reported antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. Objective: This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of the methanolic leaf extract of C. ensiformis against gentamicin-induced renal damage in mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five male albino mice (25–30 g) were randomised into five groups (n = 5). Group 1 received feed and water (standard control); Group 2 received gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.); Groups 3–5 received gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) plus C. ensiformis extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 12 days. Serum creatinine, urea, albumin, and total protein were measured, and the kidneys were subjected to histopathological analysis. Results: Gentamicin significantly increased serum creatinine (45.80 ± 4.00 µmol/L) and urea (6.62 ± 0.18 mmol/L) compared with the standard control (28.10 ± 2.70 µmol/L; 4.60 ± 0.60 mmol/L, P < 0.05). Co-administration of the extract dose-dependently restored renal function, with the 200 mg/kg group showing the most significant improvement (creatinine: 30.20 ± 0.42 µmol/L; urea: 3.45 ± 0.11 mmol/L). Histological findings corroborated biochemical results: gentamicin caused glomerular hypertrophy and tubular degeneration, while extract-treated groups showed progressive restoration of renal cytoarchitecture, with near-normal morphology at 200 mg/kg. Conclusion: Methanol leaf extract of C. ensiformis protected against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice, preserving renal function and architecture in a dose-dependent manner. These findings highlight its potential as a nephroprotective agent and warrant further investigation into its phytochemical and mechanistic properties.