Study of the nephroprotective potential of aqueous and hydro-ethanol extracts of the leaves of Erythrococca anomala (Juss. Ex Poir.) Prain (Euphorbiaceae)

As part of efforts to promote traditional medicine, a pharmacological study was conducted on aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves of Erythrococca anomala, a plant used in traditional medicine. The study focused on the nephroprotective potential of these extracts. Rats whose kidneys had been poisoned by gentamicin (80 mg/kg) for seven days were treated with aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Erythrococca anomala leaves at a dose of 200 mg/kg, and vitamin E (250 mg/kg). The results showed that the aqueous extract and vitamin E significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the nephrotoxicity of the rats compared to the hydroethanolic extract, with respective creatinine concentrations of 0.37 ± 0.18 mg/dL. 0.38 mg/dL and 0.43 ± 0.15 mg/dL. Urea concentrations were 0.40 ± 0.17 g/L (hydroethanolic extract), 0.30 ± 0.16 g/L (aqueous extract), and 0.30 ± 0.15 g/L (vitamin E). Total protein concentrations were 78.33 ± 0.20 g/L (hydroethanolic extract), 82.33 ± 0.19 g/L (aqueous extract), and 83 ± 0.23 g/L (vitamin E). This study showed that the aqueous extract has a greater efficacy than the hydroethanolic extract in reducing nephrotoxicity. This greater efficacy of the aqueous extract could be explained by the higher presence of secondary metabolites in this extract compared to the hydroethanolic extract. The efficacy of the aqueous extract of Erythrococca anomala leaves, similar to that of reference medications for treating nephrotoxicity, could offer hope for traditional medicine.