Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Ameliorating Effect of Aleuritopteris bicolor (Roxb.) Fraser-Jenk Leaves Extract on Renal and Hepatic Impairment in a Rat Model of Gentamicin-Induced Renal Toxicity

Background: The fern species Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB), in the Pteridaceae family, traditionally used for wound healing and treating various ailments. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB) hydro ethanol leaf extract potential in mitigating gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in Albino rats. Methods and Materials: This study was achieved by performing a phytochemical test on AB hydro ethanol leaves extract and administering hydro ethanol extract of AB leaves orally and gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneal for a period of seven consecutive days to male albino rats, followed by analysis of biochemical function, histopathology, and the weight of the kidney and liver after the eighth day. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation (n=6). Statistical analysis involved one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test. Results: From the phytochemical screening, Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB) hydro ethanol extract was found to contain flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. Acute toxicity testing showed its safety up to 5000 mg/kg. Gentamicin administration (Group II) resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase in urea (154.07 ± 6.22 mg/dl), creatinine (8.90 ± 0.51 mg/dl), and uric acid (3.27 ± 0.74 mg/dl), indicating renal dysfunction compared to the negative control group (distilled water). Co-treatment with ascorbic acid (Group III) and varying doses of Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB) extract (Groups IV, V, and VI) led to significant reductions in urea and creatinine levels, with the 500 mg/kg AB extract dose showing the most notable effects (p < 0.001) compared to the gentamicin-only group. Histopathological analysis revealed that gentamicin caused tubular degeneration, colloid cast formation, and glomerular injury, while treatment with AB extract minimized these damages. Additionally, gentamicin caused significant increases in serum ALP (p < 0.001), AST (p < 0.001), and ALT (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Treatment with AB extract significantly reduced these enzymes (p < 0.001) compared to the gentamicin-only group. Histological analysis showed the gentamicin group had portal inflammation and hepatocyte degeneration, while AB extract minimized these changes, supporting its protective effects against renal and hepatic toxicity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Aleuritopteris bicolor extract effectively mitigates gentamicin –induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in Albino rats, demonstrating potential for therapeutic use.