Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Canarium odontophyllum Miq. leaf on liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The fruit of Canarium odontophyllum Miq. is a traditional delicacy in Borneo for its anti-aging benefit. This study evaluated the protective effect of C. odontophyllum leaf aqueous extract on damaged liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A total of 30 male Spraque-Dawley rats (150-250g) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, diabetic without treatment and diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of C. odontophyllum for 28 consecutive days. The diabetic condition was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg body weight. At the end of study period, blood was collected to assess the biochemical changes and the oxidative stress markers whereas the liver section was examined for morphological changes. Result showed that the level of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in diabetic rats treated with C. odontophyllum were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to untreated diabetic group. Results showed an improvement in oxidative stress markers as presented by lower level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl as well as higher level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in C. odontophyllum treated group compared to untreated diabetic group. Histologically, there were no obvious morphological changes in both diabetic groups. These findings demonstrated that the aqueous extract of C. odontophyllum has the potential to reduce oxidative stress in liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.