Tribulus terrestris L. extract alleviates diabetic nephropathy through regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation: insights from in silico, in vivo and LC-MS/MS-based metabolite profiling studies.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) is a well-documented herb in the Indian folk medicine system and has been traditionally used for centuries to manage diabetes mellitus and metabolic disorders. However, its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential for diabetic nephropathy (DN) remain largely unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of the aqueous-ethanolic extract of TT in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic SD rats and to elucidate the potential mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on redox damage and inflammatory signalling, via Nrf-2/NF-κB pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The STZ-induced DN rat model was orally administered TT extract (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) for four weeks. Biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, urea, BUN, albumin), renal antioxidant levels (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), histopathological changes, and molecular markers (Nrf-2 and NF-κB) were assessed. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the binding affinity of TT-derived phytoconstituents with Nrf-2 and NF-κB. Additionally, LC-MS/MS profiling was conducted to characterise and identify the major bioactive metabolites present in the extract. RESULTS: Treatment with TT extract (50 mg/kg) restored fasting blood glucose levels and ameliorated renal impairment by lowering serum creatinine, urea, and BUN levels, as well as albumin levels. It enhanced antioxidant defenses, reduced lipid peroxidation, and alleviated renal and pancreatic damage. Mechanistically, TT upregulated Nrf-2 and inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation, which are consistent with the docking studies showing strong binding of its phytoconstituents to these proteins. LC-MS/MS profiling further identified nine bioactive compounds supporting the observed pharmacological effects. CONCLUSION: The present study provided the first evidence that TT extract exerts nephroprotective effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats, primarily by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation via the Nrf-2/NF-κB axis MDA. These findings highlight TT extract as a potential therapeutic candidate for managing DN.

Key Findings

• Tribulus terrestris extract restored fasting blood glucose levels and improved renal function markers in diabetic nephropathy rat model.
• The extract enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA).
• Mechanistically, the extract upregulated Nrf-2 and inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation, supported by molecular docking showing strong binding of phytoconstituents to these proteins.
• LC-MS/MS profiling identified nine bioactive compounds contributing to the nephroprotective effects.

Clinical Significance

Citation

Singh Kishan, Yadav Karan Singh, Singh Anuraget al.. Tribulus terrestris L. extract alleviates diabetic nephropathy through regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation: insights from in silico, in vivo and LC-MS/MS-based metabolite profiling studies. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2026-Apr-06.