Hepatocurative Effect of Some Ethnomedicinal Plants on Liver Function Indices in Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Rats
Idris Aliyu Kankara *
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.
Akos Noel Ibrahim
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.
Haruna Ade
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This research investigated the curative effects of Moringa oleifera (MO), Treculia africana (T.A.), and Albizzia chevalieri (A.C.) plant extracts on the liver function indices in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Study Design: Albino rats were grouped into five (5) main groups MO, TA, A.C., Normal Control (N.C.), and Diabetic Control (D.C.) groups.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, between May 2021 and July 2021.
Methodology: Diabetes mellitus was caused by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan 150 mg/kg body weight. Liver function indices were determined using standard methods.
Results: Intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of Alloxan in the albino rats resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, Direct and Total bilirubin while total protein concentration was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic albino rats when compared with that of the non-diabetic rats (N.C.) group. Oral administration of MO, TA, and A.C. extracts to the diabetic albino rats for 21 days significantly (p<0.05) decreased AST, ALT, and ALP activities, direct and total bilirubin concentration. While total protein concentration was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the diabetes-treated groups. Histopathological studies confirmed the toxic effect of Alloxan in the liver of induced diabetic albino rats and the hepatocurative effect of the studied medicinal plants. MO (800mg/kg) demonstrated the most significant (p<0.05) curative effect compared to T.A. and A.C. Possible mechanism for hepatocurative of the studied medicinal plants may be due to free radical scavenging potential in the plant extracts.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that Moringa oleifera, in a dose-dependent manner, has the most potent hepatocurative effect, followed by Albizzia chevalieri, then Trecullia Africana against Alloxan-induced liver damage.
Keywords: Diabetes, hepatocurative, ethnomedicinal plants, liver function indices