Diabetic nephropathy is a major life-threatening complication in diabetic individuals. The present study investigated the protective effects and the antioxidant activity of Met-E and Met-F from Oxytenanthera abyssinica leaf. An oral dose of 400 mg/kg of Met-E and Met-F were administered during four weeks to diabetic rats. The diabetic nephropathy was experimentally evidenced by an increase in renal function markers’level (SGlu, BUN, UAlb, SCr) and also changes in the levels of renal oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GSH, CAT) and severe alteration in kidney tissue. Met-E and Met-F significantly decreased SGlu and Ualb levels in diabetic rats while a non-significant effect was recorded in BUN and SCr level compared to diabetic control animals. Met-E significantly decreased MDA levels and total SOD activity, and increased GSH level and CAT activity. Met-F increased GSH level and decreased total SOD activity level while no decrease in MDA level or increase in CAT activity was observed. Renal tissue histology showed reduced inflammatory cells and improved renal vasculature in Met-E treated kidney than Met-F treated one. Conclusion Met-E and Met-F of O. abyssinica showed both ameliorative effects in diabetic nephropathy. However, Met-E would demonstrate higher antioxidant and renal protection effects than its counterpart.

Keywords: Diabetic nephropathy, Met-E, Met-F, Renal function, Oxidative stress, Oxytenanthera abyssinica.