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American Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Year: 2013 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 143-150
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Authors

C.C. Onunogbo

O.C. Ohaeri

C.O. Eleazu

C.O. Eleazu

Keywords

Research Article

Effect of Mistletoe (Viscum album) Extract on the Blood Glucose, Liver Enzymes and Electrolyte Balance in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

C.C. Onunogbo, O.C. Ohaeri and C.O. Eleazu C.O. Eleazu's LiveDNA
The effect of aqueous extract of mistletoe on the blood glucose, electrolytes, transaminases and phosphatase activities of alloxan induced diabetic rats was investigated using their respective kits. Twenty male rats, weighing between 90 and 120 g kg-1 b.wt. were used. Alloxan was injected into the experimental animals at a dosage of 100 mg kg-1 b.wt. The rats were divided into 5 groups: Group 1: non-diabetic received normal rat feeds comprising of clean water and growers mash. Group 2: diabetic control received the same treatment as group 1. Group 3: diabetic received 20% of the extract, Group 4: diabetic, received 40% of the extract while group 5 diabetic rats received 60% of the extract. The duration of the experiment was four weeks. Results indicate that all concentrations of the extract administered reduced the elevated blood glucose levels of the diabetic animals although they could not statistically ameliorate it (p>0.05), administration of 20 and 40% of the extract was most effective in ameliorating the altered K+ concentration of the diabetic rats, while 40 and 60% of the extract proved to be statistically most effective in ameliorating the elevated bicarbonate levels of the diabetic rats (p<0.05). All concentrations administered also ameliorated the altered sodium and alanine transaminase activities of the diabetic animals while they slightly improved their chloride levels (p>0.05). In addition, 60% of the extract significantly ameliorated the altered phosphatase activities and body weights of the diabetic rats while 40 and 60% of the extract significantly ameliorated the altered aspartate transaminase activities of the diabetic animals (p<0.05). It can be deduced that mistletoe has anti-diabetic potentials, in addition to ameliorating the altered electrolyte balance arising from diabetes. Finally, the dietary supplement may protect liver cells from free radical damage and could be effective in treating hepatoctye damage in diabetics.
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