Evaluation of the Protective and Immunomodulatory Efficacy of Annona Muricata Leaf Extract Against Allura Red (E129)-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Inflammation in Male Albino Rats
Background: Synthetic food colorants, including Allura Red (E129), are extensively utilized in ultra-processed foods and have been implicated in inducing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and inflammatory responses. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective and immunomodulatory efficacy of an aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaves against Allura Red (E129)-induced nephrotoxicity and inflammation in male albino rats. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted at the animal house of the College of Pharmacy, University of Kerbala, Iraq from November 2025 to December 2025. The aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaves was prepared at Al-Ameed University. Twenty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5 per group) and subjected to their respective treatments for a duration of 30 days. Results: Oral administration of Allura Red E129 alone (Group 2) induced severe nephrotoxicity, evidenced by a significant depletion in serum GSH levels (47.97 ± 1.83) and a marked elevation in MDA levels (37.67 ± 1.06). These biochemical alterations were histopathologically accompanied by glomerular congestion, obliteration of Bowman's spaces, and acute tubular necrosis. Conversely, pre-treatment with A. muricata leaf extract (Group 4) significantly mitigated these damaging effects, restoring GSH levels to 97.92 ± 1.70 and reducing MDA levels to 14.95 ± 0.17. Conclusion: In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata exerts potent antioxidant and defensive activities, efficiently suppressing the immune-inflammatory cascades and histopathological alterations induced by Allura Red E129. These findings highlight its therapeutic potential in preserving renal structural and functional integrity. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2026;13(1): 160-165