Sphagnum cuspidatulum extract prevents acute kidney injury induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin via alleviation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in pre-diabetic rats

Animal study demonstrating that Sphagnum cuspidatulum extract has significant antioxidant and renoprotective effects in pre-diabetic rats. The extract, rich in phenolic compounds, activates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and reduces oxidative stress markers.

Key Data

• Model: Male Wistar rats on high-fat diet + low-dose streptozotocin (pre-diabetic model)
• Doses tested: SC 50 mg/kg/day and SC 100 mg/kg/day vs. metformin 100 mg/kg/day
• Duration: 4 weeks by gavage
• SC100 results: Lowered serum creatinine, BUN; improved creatinine clearance; decreased MDA; upregulated Nrf2 and downstream mediators; downregulated apoptotic markers

Significance for Knowledge Graph

First in-vivo study of sphagnum moss extract showing pharmacological activity beyond antimicrobial effects. Demonstrates that sphagnum phenolics have systemic antioxidant activity via the Nrf2 pathway — not just local/topical effects. Identifies caffeine as a bioactive compound in sphagnum, which was not previously in the knowledge graph. Provides scientific basis for broader therapeutic applications of sphagnum-derived compounds.