Alloxan-induced Diabetes causes liver functions and lipid profile changes in Albino Wistar rats: Role of ethanolic leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (Combretaceae)

Abstract

In most of African countries, a large number of diseases are treated administering plant infusions to the patients. Guiera senegalensis (Gs) has been used many diseases in Northern Nigeria, but its effects on liver function test, blood glucose level and lipid profile in diabetic rats has not been documented. Thirty five male albino rats with average weight of 200g-250g were used for study. They were divided into five groups of seven rats each: Group A (normal control) were not induced with diabetes. Group B (diabetic control) Groups C and D and E were induced with diabetes and treated daily with 100mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/Kg body weight of Gs leaf extract respectively for three (3) weeks. At the end of this experimental procedure, rats were anaesthetized with diethyl-ether vapour. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for measurement of serum metabolites. The result of the present study demonstrated that administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Gs in the alloxan induced diabetes rats has not shown any significant changes in the activities of ALP, AST and ALT when compared with diabetic control. However, a significant increase was recorded in the serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) when all the doses of Gs were compared with diabetic control. Gs administration to the alloxan induced diabetic rats was found to lower the serum glucose level significantly moreover significantly decrease in plasma cholesterol, TG and LDL level, and a significant increase in HDL level. Administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis to alloxanized diabetic rats at the doses considered possess hypoglycemic activities and the extract is not toxic to the liver.