Effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. stem bark extract on diabetic nephropathy and hyperlipidemia in rats

Context: Phyllanthus emblica stem barks are rich in antioxidants, but its utilization for antidiabetic and diabetic complications remains understudied.Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of extracts from P. emblica stem barks in improving diabetic nephropathy and hyperlipidemia in vivo.Methods: P. emblica stem bark powder was dried and macerated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol simultaneously. The diabetic condition was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in male Wistar rats. Treatment interventions included the oral administration of metformin (60 mg/kg body weight) or P. emblica stem bark extracts (200 mg/kg) once a day, where the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and total cholesterol levels were measured before and after the treatment.Results: Rats receiving the ethyl acetate extract exhibited a significantly lower FBG than the control (113.7 +/- 15.04 versus 195 +/- 19.97 mg/dL; p<0.05). Rats treated with ethyl acetate extract and methanol showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels with p-values of 0.037 and 0.004, respectively. Cellular damages observed on the histological images of the kidney were found to be significantly attenuated in all treated rats (p<0.001).Conclusions: P. emblica stem bark extracts are efficacious in treating diabetic complications, including nephropathy and hyperlipidemia.