PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF HERBAL PLANT (SWAMP FERN) EXTRACT ON WISTAR RATS

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a major adverse effect of commonly used drugs, contributing to renal dysfunction and increased healthcare burden. Natural products rich in phenolics and flavonoids have attracted attention as potential nephroprotective agents due to their antioxidant properties. Objective: This study investigated the nephroprotective effect of the methanolic stem extract of Acrostichum aureum (Swamp fern) against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Stems were extracted with methanol using Soxhlet apparatus, yielding 5.60% w/w. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and saponins. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined as 76 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 28.1 mg/g rutin equivalent, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH assay, yielding an IC₅₀ of 53.81 µg/mL compared with 68.85 µg/mL for ascorbic acid. Nephrotoxicity was induced by oral administration of paracetamol (750 mg/kg) for seven days. Rats were divided into five groups: normal control, paracetamol control, standard (silymarin 50 mg/kg), and two treatment groups receiving the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg). General parameters (urine volume, body weight), serum markers (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen), and histopathology were assessed. Results: Paracetamol administration significantly increased urine volume (9.98 ± 1.05 mL), serum creatinine (2.36 ± 0.18 mg/dL), and BUN (40.11 ± 0.85 mg/dL) compared to normal controls. Treatment with A. aureum extract produced dose-dependent protection, restoring urine volume (7.79 ± 0.31 mL), creatinine (0.98 ± 0.20 mg/dL), and BUN (28.76 ± 0.56 mg/dL) at 500 mg/kg. Histological evaluation supported these findings, showing reduced tubular necrosis and preserved renal structure in treated rats. Conclusion: The methanolic stem extract of A. aureum demonstrates significant nephroprotective activity, likely mediated by its antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid constituents. These results validate its traditional use and suggest potential as a natural therapeutic agent for kidney protection.