Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026)

Kaempferol-rich Thespesia lampas leaf extract mitigates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in wistar rats

Shweta Shamrao Dhavane (Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Pharmacy, Vilad Ghat, Ahmednagar, 414111, Maharashtra, India.)
Ravindra Bhimraj Laware (Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Loni, Pravaranagar, 413736, Maharashtra, India.)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity (GIN) is a major limitation of aminoglycoside therapy and a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). The underlying mechanisms involve excessive oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, particularly the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Natural flavonoids such as kaempferol possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thespesia lampas, traditionally used in renal disorders, is rich in kaempferol, necessitating scientific validation of its nephroprotective potential. Methodology: ALE was characterized using HR-LCMS, confirming kaempferol as the major flavonoid (20.5 ± 2.8 mg/g extract; 2.05 ± 0.28% w/w). Antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH assay, demonstrating potent free radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 62.4 µg/mL) comparable to rutin standard (IC₅₀ = 48.6 µg/mL). Rats received ALE orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days, while nephrotoxicity was induced by gentamicin (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) during the final 10 days. Renal function markers, oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), NF-κB (p65/p50) nuclear translocation, and renal histopathology were evaluated. Results and Discussion: Gentamicin caused significant renal dysfunction, oxidative imbalance, elevated inflammatory cytokines, and increased NF-κB activation. ALE treatment produced dose-dependent nephroprotection, with the 400 mg/kg dose markedly restoring renal biomarkers, improving antioxidant defenses, suppressing inflammatory mediators, and ameliorating histopathological damage. Conclusion: Kaempferol-rich Thespesia lampas ALE confers significant protection against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inhibiting NF-κB–mediated inflammation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for drug-induced renal injury.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

joapr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research (JOAPR) is an official publication of Creative Pharma Assent (CPA). It is an open access, peer review online international journal. JOAPR is primarily focused on multiple discipline of pharmaceutical sciences (Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Technology, ...