Effect of Buddleja cordata Leaf Extract on Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

One of complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic nephropathy. In Mexico, in traditional medicine, <i>Buddleja cordata</i> Humb. Bonpl. & Kunth, ("tepozán blanco") is a shrub plant used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, postpartum bath, stomachache, skin burns, diarrhea in children, sores, and cancer. Objectives: We examined the effect of methanol extract of leaves of <i>B. cordata</i> on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and its antioxidant effects in diabetic nephropathy. Methods: We used the streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus model in rats; these were treated with methanol extract from leaves of <i>B. cordata</i> at 50 and 100 mg/kg (orally) for 4 weeks. Kidney weight/total body weight ratio and proteins/DNA, proteinuria and creatinine clearance, Western blot of nuclear factor κΒ (NFkB) p65 (cytoplasm and nucleus), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were determined.