Hepatocurative Effect of Some Ethnomedicinal Plants on Liver Function Indices in Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Rats

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.