Abstract
Nephropathy is considered as one of the major secondary complications in diabetic patients. The goal of the current study was to perform preclinical screening of virgin coconut oil (VCO) solubilised curcumin in diabetes-induced nephropathy. Male albino rats of the Wistar strain were injected with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg/i.p). Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was developed after 4 weeks of STZ injection and the treatment was continued for further 4 weeks (i.e 8 weeks). DN rats were treated with VCO (8ml), VCO solubilised curcumin at a low dose (0.66mg/4ml/kg) and high dose (1.32mh/8ml/kg). DN was assessed by evaluating biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, and total bilirubin from serum and urine sample, whereas the activity of endogenous antioxidant and membrane- bound phosphatases were studied from kidney homogenate. VCO-solubilised curcumin significantly reduced blood and urine glucose level, increased body weight and reduced kidney weight and kidney hypertrophy. It also normalized urine volume, albumin, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin and urea levels. Treatment also significantly improved antioxidants and membrane-bound phosphatase activities. In conclusion, compared to the individual treatment group, VCO solubilized curcumin significantly modifies the altered parameters toward normal. The potent antioxidant activity of these substances may be to blame for this defense. Keywords: Virgin coconut oil, curcumin, diabetes, nephropathy, antioxidants