Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common complications in diabetes Mellitus. Hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation cause abnormal oxidative stress deposition that leads to the decrease of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) and endothelial Nitric Oxide synthetase (eNOS). It was reported that Centella asiatica has an anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effect. However little is known about Centella asiatica effect in the kidney of DM. The objective of this study was to know the effect of Centella asiatica extract on Kim-1 (marker of kidney damage), GPx1 and eNOS mRNA expression in the kidney of DM rat model. Methods: Wistar DM rat model was divided into 6 groups namely non-DM group, DM group , DM with captopril and another DM group treated with Centella asiatica with three different dosages (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW). The treatment was given for 8 weeks. The Kim-1, GPx1 and eNOS expression was measured using semi-quantitative PCR. Results: The DM group showed higher Kim-1 kidney mRNA expression but lower GPx1 and eNOS kidney mRNA compare to those on the non-DM group. Administration of Centella asiatica improves the expression of Kim-1, GPx1 and eNOS kidney mRNA expression in DM rat model. Conclusion: Centella asiatica has the potential to prevent kidney damage in DM rat model by improving Kim-1, GPx1 and eNOS kidney mRNA expression.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease that can cause complications in the kidneys. Centella asiatica extracts have the potential to inhibit pancreatic, liver and kidney tissue damage. This study was intended to determine the potential of C. asiatica extract in inhibiting kidney damage in an animal model of DM. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used in 5 treatment groups namely non-DM, DM, and DM with C. asiatica extract Dose 1 (250mg / kg), Dose 2 (500mg / kg) and Dose 3 (1000mg / kg). Changes in body weight, blood sugar, serum urea, kidney weight, glycosuria, and urine volume were observed in all treatment groups. Results: There were no significant differences between treatment groups on changes in blood glucose concentration, body weight, and serum ureum. However, C. asiatica treated group showed significantly lower value of urine volume, glycosuria, and kidney weight compare to those on Non-DM and DM groups. Decrease in blood glucose, although not significantly different, affects glucose urine excretion. Conclusion: C. asiatica extract has the potential to inhibit kidney damage in rats with DM through prevent the increase of urine volume, glycosuria, and kidney weight.