Effects of Kenikir (C. caudatus Kunth) Extract on Biomarker and Renal Function in A Preeclamptic Rat Model Study

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a systemic pregnancy syndrome characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to significant renal and placental dysfunction. The therapeutic potential of Cosmos caudatus Kunth (Kenikir) is largely derived from quercitrin, a flavonoid whose potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties directly target key aspects of this pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of C. caudatus Kunth leaf extract (CCE) by measuring its effects on key preeclampsia markers, including MDA, IL-6, sFlt-1, renal parameters, and placental histopathology. Materials and methods: An experimental laboratory study with a pre-posttest-only design for the proteinuria and blood pressure and a posttest-only control group design for other parameters. The samples comprised 30 pregnant Sprague Dawley rats, divided into 5 groups with 6 members each. Rats were then randomized into normal (N) and Negative control groups exposed to L-NAME (PE), L-NAME + Nifedipine 50 mg/kgBW (CPos), L-NAME + CCE 200 mg/kgBW (PI), and L-NAME + Nifedipine 50 mg/kgBW+ CK 200 mg/kgBW (P2). levels of MDA, sFlt-1, IL-6, and Cystatin-C, were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glomerular fibrosis and placental spiral artery diameter were assessed using Masson’s Trichrome and HE staining, respectively. Results and discussion: CCE monotherapy (P1) demonstrated superior efficacy, significantly reducing systolic blood pressure and proteinuria to levels comparable to the normal group (p > 0.05), outperforming Nifedipine monotherapy. CCE treatment reduced MDA levels by 60% (from 3.397 to 1.358 Nmol/mL, p < 0.001), sFlt-1 by 57% (from 9.881 to 4.238 Nmol/mL, p < 0.001), and IL-6 by 75% (from 10.718 to 2.650 Nmol/mL, p < 0.001) compared to the PE group. Histopathological analysis revealed complete absence of glomerulosclerosis in the P1 group, indicating profound renoprotection. 4) Conclusions: The combination therapy (P2) showed complex interactions, occasionally less effective than CCE alone. These findings strongly suggest that CCE is a promising multi-target therapeutic agent for preeclampsia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cosmos caudatus extract (CCE) monotherapy normalizes blood pressure and prevents proteinuria in a preeclampsia rat model, outperforming nifedipine.
• CCE monotherapy confers complete histoprotection, preventing glomerulosclerosis and restoring placental spiral artery remodeling.
• The combination of CCE and nifedipine shows a complex interaction, but CCE alone demonstrates superior efficacy in most parameters.
• CCE’s multi-target action significantly reduces key biomarkers (sFlt-1, IL-6, MDA, Cystatin-C), addressing the core pathophysiology of Preeclampsia.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT