Nephroprotective Effects of Emilia sonchifolia, Bridelia ferruginea and Rhizophora racemosa Aqueous Extracts against Petrol Fume-Induced Renal Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Prolonged exposure to petrol fumes has been implicated in oxidative stress-related renal dysfunction. This study evaluated the nephrotoxic effects of petrol fume inhalation and assessed the protective potential of aqueous extracts from Bridelia ferruginea and Emilia sonchifolia leaves as well as Rhizophora racemosa stem bark. Wistar rats(adult-male) were exposed to petrol fumes for 28 days, during which serum urea and creatinine levels, as well as renal antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, were monitored. Petrol fume exposure significantly elevated serum urea and creatinine levels, suppressed CAT, SOD, and GPx activities, and increased MDA, indicating oxidative renal injury. However, treatment with the plant extracts at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly ameliorated these changes in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, E. sonchifolia at 400 mg/kg showed the most pronounced reno-protective effect, comparable to that of the standard antioxidant, vitamin E (200 mg/kg). The findings suggest that the protective effects of the extracts may stem from their antioxidant-rich phytochemical composition, which mitigates oxidative damage, enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses, and improves renal function. Histological analysis revealed renal architectural distortions in the petrol-exposed group. This was restored by the extracts. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants against petrol fume-induced nephrotoxicity and supports further exploration of their bioactive compounds in clinical contexts.