The Protective Effects of Lemongrass and N-acetylcysteine against Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in an Animal Model

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent in human and leads to serious health issues, including increased cardiovascular risk and heart failure. The adenine-induced CKD model in rats is frequently used to assess nephroprotective agents. However, renal replacement therapies are often inaccessible due to limited resources in many regions. This study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of lemongrass (LG) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on adenine-induced CKD. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (10 rats each). Group I (control) received normal saline orally, while Groups II to V received adenine via intraperitoneal injection (300 mg/kg) twice weekly for four weeks. Group III (LG + adenine) was given LG (360 mg/kg), Group IV (NAC + adenine) received NAC (150 mg/kg), and Group V (LG + NAC + adenine) received both LG and NAC, Both treatments were administered per os daily for four weeks. After the end of experiment, serum samples were analyzed for kidney function, and kidney tissues were assessed histopathologically. Adenine treatment significantly increased serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels, while decreasing albumin concentration compared to the control group. However, LG or NAC administration with adenine significantly improved kidney function and increased albumin levels compared to the adenine group. Notably, the combination of LG and NAC proved more effective than either treatment alone, as shown by biochemical evaluations and histopathological findings. Thus, lemongrass and N-acetyl cysteine exhibit nephroprotective effects against adenine-induced CKD.