Nephroprotective Effect of the Methanolic Extract of Flourensia cernua Against Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury Associated with Modulation of Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Renal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of graft dysfunction. Flourensia cernua possesses antioxidant properties that may protect against this injury. This study evaluated its antioxidant capacity and nephroprotective effects in a renal I/R model in Wistar rats. The extract was characterized by phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content, and ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Hemolytic activity was assessed, and rats were assigned to Sham, Non-Tox, I/R, and I/R + F. cernua groups (200 mg/kg/day for 7 days before I/R). Biochemical parameters, renal oxidative stress markers, and Gpx, Rela, and Mpo expression were evaluated. The extract contained several secondary metabolites, showed radical-scavenging and reducing capacity, and had low hemolytic activity. Pretreatment reduced serum creatinine and renal malondialdehyde levels, restored glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity, and downregulated Gpx expression compared with I/R. Pretreatment with F. cernua partially attenuated I/R-induced renal injury and was associated with reduced lipid peroxidation and preservation of endogenous antioxidant defenses; however, these findings do not establish a causal molecular mechanism.