HEPATIC EVALUATION OF ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH ETHANOL EXTRACT OF THE LEAF OF SENNA ALATA

Abstract

Author(s): Onyegeme-Okerenta, B. M. * and Anacletus, F. C

Hepatic cells of alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats treated with oral administration of ethanol extract of leaf of Senna alata were evaluated. Forty rats were grouped into eight on weight bases. Diabetes was induced by a single intra-peritoneal injection (1650mg/kg) of alloxan monohydrate. After 120hours of alloxan injection, the rats from group 2-8 were confirmed diabetic with fasting blood sugar levels greater than 9.5mMol/L. Group 1 rats were not induced with alloxan and served as normal control. The extract of S. alata was administered twice daily for 21 days at a dose of 500mg/kg – 2500mg/kg in Groups 4-8 respectively, Group 2 was treated with a standard diabetic drug, ‘metformin’ while Group 3 (was untreated and represent negative control). Blood sample and liver tissue were collected for investigation of liver function markers: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total Bilirubin, Total Protein (TP) and Albumin (AL) as well as photomicrographs of the liver. When compared to the negative control, ALT, AST and ALP showed significant (p<0.05) decrease for 500-2500mg/kg treated groups. Similarly, Total protein showed significant (p<0.05) increase in 500-2500mg/kg treated groups when compared with the negative control. Total Bilirubin showed significant (p<0.05) increase in 2500mg/kg treated group and a significant decrease in 500 and 1000mg//kg treated groups and albumin showed significant (p<0.05) increase in 1000-2500mg/kg treated groups when compared with normal control. Results from photomicrographs indicated abnormal liver architecture for the negative control. The present investigation suggests that the extract may have a protective effect on hepatocytes.