EP_089. Flavonoid-saponin fraction from leaves of Mitragyna speciosa as a nephroprotective agent against gentamicin-induced toxicity in rats

Hidayatul Khamariah, Z.A.^1*, Abd. Rashid L.¹, Mohd Kamal N.H.², Azman M.²

1. Herbal Quality Control Programme, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM),  52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Bioprospect Programme, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109  Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

 *Corresponding author: Nor Hidayatul Khamariah binti Zainul Abidin. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Kidney health is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. In Malaysia, the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) increased from 104 to 231 per million population between 2003 and 2013, highlighting the urgent need for novel preventive therapies. Flavonoid- and saponin-rich extracts (FSE) from Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) leaves have demonstrated potential nephroprotective properties attributed to their bioactive compounds.

OBJECTIVE(S): This study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective potential of FSE derived from M. speciosa.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Fresh kratom leaves were oven-dried at 45°C for 72 hours, ground, and extracted with reverse osmosis water under reflux. The extract was filtered, concentrated, and precipitated with 95% ethanol. The flavonoid-saponin-rich fraction was separated by centrifugation, freeze-dried, and quantified for total flavonoid and saponin contents using UV-Visible spectrophotometry at 420 nm and 540 nm, respectively. For in vivo studies, rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group I received saline (control); Groups II–IV were administered 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg of FSE plus gentamicin (40 mg/kg), while Group V received corilagin at corresponding doses plus gentamicin. Gentamicin was administered intraperitoneally twice daily for seven days. On day eight, animals were euthanised and serum analysed for urea and creatinine levels to assess nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS: Flavonoid content ranged from 60% to 70%, saponin from 14% to 16%, with negligible alkaloid levels (0.02%). Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels showed no significant differences between treated and control groups, indicating that FSE preserved renal function and did not induce nephrotoxicity.

CONCLUSION: FSE from M. speciosa demonstrated nephroprotective effects without toxicity, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for kidney health.

KEYWORDS: Mitragyna speciosa, Flavonoid-saponin Extract, Nephroprotective Agent