Comparative Hepatoprotective Activity of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Solvent Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the comparative hepatoprotective property of Vernonia amygdalina leaf solvent extracts: (aqueous (AQE), ethanol (ETH), methanol (METH), toluene (TOL), and benzene (BENZ) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study consisted of forty Wistar albino rats segregated into eight groups of five rats each (n=5); the negative control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and standard (STD) were designated Group 1, Group 2, and Group 8 respectively. Groups 3-8 designated as AQE, ETH, METH, TOL, BENZ, and STD respectively were induced with 120 mgKg-1 body weight alloxan. After induction, hyperglycemic rats were treated with 250 mgKg-1 body weight V. amygdalina leaf aqueous, ethanol, methanol, toluene, benzene extract, and metformin 200 mg/Kg b. wt. via intubation for 14 days. At the end of the 14 days administration, serum enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, total bilirubin concentration, and histopathology of liver tissues were examined using standard methods. The result indicated a consistent increase in body weight among diabetic rats within the study period; except for the benzene extract treated group. ALT, AST, and ALP activity in the groups receiving aqueous extract, ethanol, toluene, and benzene extract was significantly (p<0.05) reduced compared to the diabetic control group. Histopathological examination results indicate a reversal of degeneration of the liver tissues by methanolic and ethanolic extract treatment. The overall results showed that the methanol extract presented stronger protection against diabetes-induced hepatic damage in rats compared to the other solvent extracts.