Piperine, an Alkaloid Component of Nigerian Propolis, Improves the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and other Markers of Renal Health in Nephropathic Diabetic Rats

Objective: This study investigated the effects of piperine isolated from Nigerian propolis on renal function in nephropathic diabetic rats and evaluated its efficacy when combined with the antidiabetic drug metformin. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were induced with diabetes using streptozotocin and subsequently developed nephropathy. The rats were divided into 5 groups: a healthy control group, a diabetic (untreated) control group, a piperinetreated group, a metformin-treated group, and a group receiving a combination of piperine and metformin. Each treatment group received its respective interventions for 6 weeks. Renal function was assessed by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using inulin clearance tests. Biochemical markers of kidney injury and inflammation were also analyzed. Results: The results indicate that the combination of piperine and metformin was more effective at improving renal function in nephropathic diabetic rats compared to either treatment alone. The rats receiving the combined therapy exhibited significantly higher GFR values and reduced markers of kidney injury and inflammation. In contrast, the individual treatments with piperine or metformin alone produced only moderate improvements. The untreated diabetic control group had substantially impaired renal function compared to all the treatment groups, while the healthy control group maintained normal GFR levels. Conclusion: The synergistic effects of piperine from Nigerian propolis and metformin significantly enhanced GFR in nephropathic diabetic rats compared to either treatment alone. The combination therapy appears to offer a more effective approach for improving renal function in diabetic nephropathy.