none 10.31254/phyto.2026.15401 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 199027237 316921 20260801014925759 10.31254 2026-08-01T01:49:33Z 2026-08-01T01:49:33Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 07 2026 15 4 Christelle S Sonfack Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2093-4698 Dafane FN Nkwayep Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2692-6905 Mireille FM Donfack Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7731-7821 Calvin B Zangueu Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7389-0505 Jacquy JW Kojom Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1569-0193 Augustine K Nkonjap Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5053-0956 Russelle CN Tchatchouang Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4990-4073 Franklin G Zemo Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0698-9473 Albert D Atsamo Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6788-0351 Alain B Dongmo Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6354-4318 Background: Gentamicin is an effective aminoglycoside antibiotic whose clinical use is limited by nephrotoxicity mainly associated with oxidative stress and tubular damage. Objective: This study investigated the nephroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. (Fabaceae) against gentamicin-induced renal injury in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant effect of plant extract was evaluated on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide (NO) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), at the concentration range from 1 to 1000 µg/mL. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered concomitantly. Renal function biomarkers (serum creatinine, urea, uric acid), urinary parameters, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase), and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: In vitro antioxidant effect of the aqueous extract showed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 108.30 and 226.10 µg/mL for DPPH and NO assay respectively. Gentamicin significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and malondialdehyde levels while decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.001). Treatment with the extract markedly attenuated these biochemical disturbances, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, and improved renal histoarchitecture by reducing tubular necrosis and glomerular alterations. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the aqueous extract of D. adscendens confers significant protection against gentamicin-induced renal damage, likely through antioxidant mechanisms, supporting its traditional use in renal disorders. 07 2026 190 198 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2026.15401 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/920/year=2026&vol=15&issue=4