Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effects of Empagliflozin and Ethanolic-leaf extract of Mentha piperita against Aluminium chloride and D-galactose-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Liver and Kidney of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose induce systemic oxidative toxicity with documented accumulation in the liver and kidney. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of empagliflozin (EMPG) and ethanolic leaf extract of Mentha piperita (ELMP) against AlCl3 and D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney tissues of male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): normal control (A), disease control (B: AlCl3 150 mg/kg plus D-galactose 50 mg/kg for 6 weeks), and four treated groups (C and D: ELMP 200 or 400 mg/kg; E: EMPG 10 mg/kg; F: ELMP 400 mg/kg plus EMPG 10 mg/kg) given for 4 weeks alongside AlCl3 and D-galactose. Tissues were assayed for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA with post hoc LSD comparison at p less than or equal to 0.05. Results: Group B showed significantly elevated hepatic and renal MDA alongside severely depleted SOD, GSH, and catalase compared to Group A. ELMP produced dose-dependent restoration of antioxidant enzymes. Group F achieved the most complete restoration, approaching normal control values in both organs. F-ratios confirmed significant overall group differences across all parameters (kidney MDA: 56.125; liver MDA: 49.366). Conclusion: AlCl3 and D-galactose induce significant hepatic and renal oxidative stress. ELMP and EMPG, particularly in combination, demonstrate potent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects through multi-target antioxidant mechanisms, supporting their therapeutic potential as integrated strategies for peripheral organ protection in aluminium-induced toxicity.