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ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572

EFFECT OF DELONIX REGIA SEED EXTRACT ON SOME LIVER ENZYME MARKERS AND ELECTROLYTES OF ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Author(s): Omeodu, S. I., Onyegeme-Okerenta*, B. M. and Amakiri A. P.

The effect of seed extract of Delonix regia on some liver enzyme markers and electrolytes of alloxan-induced diabetic rats was evaluated. Dried seed powder (181 g) was soaked in a solution containing 400ml of ethanol and 1400ml of distilled water. Twenty-five albino rats of both sexes were randomised into five groups (A-E) based on their average weight. The animals fasted overnight. Diabetes was induced in Groups B - E by a single intraperitoneal injection of a freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg body weight). Group A rats were not induced with alloxan and served as normal control. Group B was diabetic and untreated and represent negative control, Group C – E rats were given varying concentrations (12%, 15% and 20%) of 20 mg/kg body weight of seed extract of Delonix regia respectively. Electrolyte (K+ , Na+ and Cl- ) levels as well as liver enzyme markers Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were analysed after ten days of administration of extract. Results obtained showed that all alloxan-induced rats became diabetic after 96 hours with a blood glucose ranging from 9.35 to 10.3 mmol/L. The 20% dilution of the extract administered expressed a significantly higher anti-diabetic activity compared to the 12% and 15% dilutions. Delonix regia seed crude extracts significantly (p<0.05) improved the levels of the electrolytes in diabetic treated rats when compared with the untreated rats and control. The extract significantly (p<0.05) lowered the activities of AST, ALT and ALP in diabetic rats when compared to the untreated group.