METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA DEL. AND OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM IMPROVEDS LIVER FUNCTION IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS
Agbai,1 E. O, Njoku, G. O . Mounmbegna, P. P. E.2 and Ofoego, U. C.3
1Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University Elele campus, Rivers State Nigeria
2Department of Biochemistry, Madonna University, Elele campus, Rivers State Nigeria
3Department of Human Anatomy, Madonna University, Elele campus, Rivers State Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the combined effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum on some liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST), serum albumin, bilirubin and total protein in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Experiments were performed in 36 adult male Wistar rats weighing 150-270 g. Thirty rats received 65 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin (i.p). They were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, C) of 10 each. Six non diabetic rats served as control (CONT). Group A rats received 6 I/U insulin injection per day. Group B received methanolic extract (100mg/dl Vernonia amygdalina and 200mg/kg Ocimum gratissimum) per day. Group C did not receive treatment. Data showed that AST and ALT were markedly decreased only in insulin treated diabetic rats and methanolic extract treated diabetic rats respectively. Serum albumin decreased significantly in group C rats with increased bilirubin leve. The total protein did not differ significantly among groups. The haematoxylin and eosin-stained section showed a lymphocytic infiltration in the hepatocytes with the presence of haemorrhage, improved hepatocytes plates and absence of necrosis in group B. Results indicate that methanolic extract may restore liver enzymes; AST and ALT, serum albumin, serum bilirubin, total protein; although the hepatocytes plates are altered and marked lymphocytic infiltration, hence effect of the extract may be time-dependent.
Keywords: vernonia amygdalina. ocimum gratissimum. alanine aminotransferase. aspartate aminotransferase. bilirubin. albumin