Effects of Amaranthus spinosus Extract and Its Polyphenol Rich Fraction in Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Experimental Animals.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by a decline in kidney function. Amaranthus spinosus is a medicinal plant reported for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective properties. The study evaluates the effectiveness of Amaranthus spinosus hydroalcoholic extract (250 mg/kg & 500 mg/kg) and its polyphenol rich fraction (50 mg/kg & 100 mg/kg) in an adenine-induced CKD in rats. CKD was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by oral administration of adenine (0.3% w/w) for 28 days, followed by a 28 days treatment with the extract and fraction. At the end of the study, biochemical parameters, inflammatory markers, glomerular filtration rate, TGF-β1, and Smad3 expressions were studied. Significant increase (p < 0.001) in BUN, creatinine, protein excretion rate, albumin excretion rate, and inflammatory cytokines was reported in only adenine-fed animals when compared with animals in the normal control group. Treatment with the extract and its fraction significantly increased GFR (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Treatment significantly affected biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers. Histopathological study indicated decreased kidney tissue damage. The higher dose of Amaranthus spinosus extract (500 mg/kg) exhibited decreased expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The results of the study indicate that Amaranthus spinosus has significant effects in CKD.