Aqueous Basella alba Mitigates Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats: Relevance in Adjuvant Therapy

Introduction: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant agent that is usually considered as a first-line therapy against organ rejection after a transplant procedure. However, its administration is often associated with nephrotoxicity and a compromise of kidney function. There is a paucity of literature on the effects of aqueous Basella alba leaf extract (ABALE) in this condition. This study aimed to bridge the knowledge gap. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each, such that the experimental groups received graded doses of ABALE at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg for 21 consecutive days, after inducing nephrotocity with CsA at 20mg/kg/day (i.p). Results: Treatment with ABALE resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and elevated plasma markers of kidney dysfunction, with the highest dose showing the greatest protective effect (p < 0.05). Histological analysis of the kidneys also revealed near-normal architecture following ABALE treatment, while CsA administration was associated with marked vacuolation of the kidney interstitium and glomerular atrophy. However, no significant difference was observed between the untreated recovery group and the nephrotoxicity model group. Conclusion: ABALE mitigated cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity by suppressing plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines and restoring antioxidant balance. These findings suggest that the extract may serve as a promising adjuvant therapy in CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.