Liver function status in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Extracts of some Anti-diabetic Medicinal plants

Abstract

The anti-diabetic effects of the plants Spondias mombin, Vernonia amgdalina, Annona murica and Nigella sativum have been reported in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.  This study assessed the liver function status of diabetic rats treated with these plant extracts. 42 rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Groups 1-3 served as the normal control, diabetic control and positive control groups respectively. Groups 4-7 were the Spondias mombin, Vernonia amgdalina, Annona murica and Nigella sativum extracts treated diabetic rats respectively. The liver markers assessed includes serum AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin, bilirubin concentrations. The result showed that treatment with all plant extract resulted in a significant decrease in AST, ALT and ALP concentrations. However, a higher percentage decrease in ALP and ALT levels were observed in the Vernonia amgdalina treated diabetic rats when compared to other extract treated rats while Annona muricata treated rats gave the highest percentage reduction in AST concentration. Also treatment with V.amgdalina and Annona muricata gave the highest percentage reduction in total and conjugated bilirubin. Non-significant change was observed in protein and albumin levels. Histological evaluation revealed that treatment with extracts of Spondias mombin leaves, V. amgdalina leaves, Annona muricata leaves reverted the damage to the liver caused by STZ induction. V.amgdalina and Annona muricata are two plants to consider as powerful hepatoprotective agents.