Serum urea and creatinine in hypercholesterolemic rats under karamunting extract exposure: Descriptive findings

Abstract

Background: Hyperlipidemia is associated with oxidative stress and progressive renal injury; plant-derived antioxidants may modulate these risks. Objective To describe pre- and post-treatment serum urea and creatinine levels in hypercholesterolemic rats receiving karamunting leaf extract, alongside comparator groups. Methods: Male Wistar rats were allocated to three groups (n=6 each): negative control (Cont−), positive control with simvastatin 2.1 mg/kg (Cont+), and karamunting extract 200 mg/kg (Ext1). A high-fat diet was used for induction. Serum cholesterol, urea, and creatinine were measured before and after the intervention; data are reported as mean ± SD without inferential testing. Results: Cholesterol changed as follows (mg/dL): Cont− 66.83 ± 19.57 → 72.17 ± 8.35; Cont+ 74.33 ± 13.57 → 44.00 ± 5.25; Ext1 63.33 ± 9.69 → 49.00 ± 3.85. Urea (mg/dL) increased across groups: Cont− 20.17 ± 5.00 → 29.17 ± 8.01; Cont+ 20.33 ± 8.09 → 55.50 ± 6.63; Ext1 18.50 ± 4.81 → 48.50 ± 9.16. Creatinine (mg/dL) also rose: 0.35 ± 0.05 → 0.57 ± 0.23; Cont+ 0.40 ± 0.06 → 0.47 ± 0.17; Ext1 0.33 ± 0.10 → 0.45 ± 0.19. Conclusion: Descriptively, karamunting extract was associated with lower cholesterol but higher urea and creatinine, a pattern similar to the simvastatin group. Under these conditions, biochemical nephroprotection was not evident; more prolonged exposure and more sensitive renal biomarkers are recommended for future evaluation.