Hypoglycemic and Toxic Effect of Leaf Extract on the Liver and Kidneys of Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats.

PURPOSE

We investigated the hypoglycemic and toxic effect of leaf extract on the liver and kidneys of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic wistar rats.

METHOD

Phytochemical analysis was done. Diabetes was induced by the use of alloxan monohydrate in six groups of rats, i.e., 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, glibenclamide, normal saline, and normal control group. Blood glucose was measured at the time of inoculation, then at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after. After 14 days, rats were killed under anesthesia; blood collected for measurement of total protein, albumin, TAGs, cholesterol, AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine; and whole tissue of liver and kidneys used for histological studies.

RESULTS

The extract possessed antidiabetic effects between 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg doses, which we attributed to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and amino acids. There was a drop in total protein and albumin with no statistical significance ( ≥ 0.05). The changes in levels of ALT, TAGs, cholesterol, AST, creatinine, and urea were not statistically different from the standard diabetic drug. The extract was protective against histological damage as there were no significant lesions suggestive of toxicities in the liver and kidneys at doses below 800 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

We established credible evidence that leaf extract has hypoglycemic effects between 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg and that it is safe on the liver and kidneys of wistar rats at doses less than 800 mg/kg.