Biochemical Studies on Loranthus bengwensis Ethanolic Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the biochemical effect of Loranthus bengwensis ethanolic leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of  Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji Osun State, Nigeria, between October 2014 and August, 2015. Methodology: Adult sixty  female (60) Wistar Albino rats were divided into six study groups I, II, III, IV, V, VI, (n=10) weighing between 230-250 g. Group 1was designated as positive control and received distilled water, group II was designated as negative control and received (60 mg/kg) of  streptozotocin, group III was designated as diabetes induced and orthodox and received (1 ml) of Insulin, groups IV, V and VI were designated as diabetes induced and extract treated and received (100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg) respectively. Results: The phytochemical screening of the ethanolic leaf extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannin, saponins, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, terpenoid and quinines. There was a drastic reduction in blood glucose levels of diabetes treated groups VI, V and VI at the end of the experiment which portrays the therapeutic efficacy of Loranthus bengwensis ethanolic leaf extract in ameliorating diabetic condition. However, the extract was more efficient at 400 mg/kg compared to 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively. This indicates that ethanolic leaf extract of Loranthus bengwensis is relatively more efficient at higher concentration. Other biochemical parameters such as; Alanine transaminases (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphotase. Lipid profile; Total cholesterol, High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and Triglycerides (TG), as well as body weight indices were considered. Conclusion: The results obtained from all these assays as well as the blood glucose assay justifies the therapeutic efficacy of Loranthus bengwensis on ameliorate diabetic condition.