BIOCHEMICAL AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MODULATION BY SWERTIA CHIRAYITA EXTRACTS IN CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE-INDUCED NEPHROTOXITY IN RATS

Objective: The present study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and protective effects of Swertia chirayita extracts against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced biochemical and oxidative stress alterations. Methods: Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared and screened for phytoconstituents, extractive values, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, where the methanolic extract exhibited superior free radical inhibition with a lower IC₅₀ value compared to the aqueous extract. Cytotoxicity assessment in yeast models revealed no toxic effects, confirming extract safety. In vivo studies in CP-treated rats demonstrated significant improvement in biochemical parameters, including serum creatinine (Cr), urea, uric acid, protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutathione, catalase, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β levels. Results: Both extracts, particularly the methanolic extract at higher doses, showed significant (p