Matricaria pubescens (desf.) Sch. Bip. Supplementation prevent high-fat diet-induced kidney damage in obese rats

Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Sch. Bip. is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine in the Algerian Sahara to treat several diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of the aerial parts of M. pubescens powder supplementation on kidney damage induced by a high-fat diet in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (Control): Rats fed a standard diet. Group 2 (HFD): Rats fed a high fat diet enriched with 30% sheep fat. Group 3 (MP): Rats fed a standard diet supplemented with 5% M. pubescens powder. Group 4 (HFD + MP): Rats fed a high fat diet enriched with 30% sheep fat and supplemented with 5% Matricaria pubescens powder. After 16 weeks, the rats were sacrificed by cervical decapitation, and blood was collected for biochemical analysis of plasma. Kidney tissue was used for oxidative stress and histological examination. Compared to the HFD rats, supplementation with 5% (w/w) M. pubescens powder in the HFD + MP rats significantly reduced obesity markers such as body weight gain, body mass index, and thoracic and abdominal circumference. Moreover, it reduced creatinine, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, it prevented lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, and increased GSH levels. Histological examinations of kidney tissue showed regeneration of the glomerulus and a reduction in Bowman's space. These results suggest that M. pubescens powder supplementation may prevent obesity and kidney damage in high fat diet induced obese rats.