Renoprotective Effects of <i>Allium jesdianum</i> Against <i>Cyclophosphamide</i>: Role of Antioxidant Enzymes and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in a Murine Model

Abstract

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, induces significant nephrotoxicity through oxidative stress and inflammation. Allium jesdianum, a less-studied wild Allium species, has documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of A. jesdianum extract (AJE) against CP-induced kidney injury, focusing on its simultaneous modulation of oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control, AJE only, CP only, and AJE + CP. Treatments were administered for 14 days. Kidney function, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: CP administration significantly increased serum urea and creatinine levels, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological analysis revealed marked renal damage. Pretreatment with AJE significantly attenuated these alterations by restoring renal function markers (P < 0.01), reducing oxidative stress (P < 0.001), and enhancing antioxidant defenses (P < 0.001). Compared with the CP-only group, AJE also significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.001). Conclusions: AJE exerts significant protective effects against CP-induced nephrotoxicity through dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.