Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Adansonia digitata (Linn) on Serum
Electrolyte Levels in Normal and Alcohol Fed Rats
Abstract:
Methanolic leaf extract of Adansonia digitata was administered intragastrically
to normal and alcohol fed rats to determine the effects of the extract on serum
electrolytes and some Biochemical parameters. The leaf extract was administered
for two weeks at a dose of 0.75 g kg-1 body weight. The parameters
studied were the major electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3-),
glucose, albumin and total protein. Results obtained shows that the leaf extract
has no significant effect on these parameters (P<0.05), except albumin. The
serum albumin level of normal rats decreased to 29.3±0.72 g L-1 from
33.8±0.52 g L-1 when fed with the extract. This effect may result
from the reduction in or inhibition of albumin synthesis by the liver. The serum
albumin level on administration of the extract to the alcohol fed rats was also
significantly reduced; from 29±0.56 to 26.8±0.52 g L-1 (P<0.05).
The hypoalbuminemia that results on the administration of this extract may be
due to the possible action of Adansonia digitata on liver function that
consequently affects the production of albumin. Physiological effects of this
are decreases in osmotic pressure and in transportation of some organic molecules
carried by albumin. No significant effect is observed in the level of total protein.
How to cite this article
Matawalli A. Geidam, Sunday A. Oyesola and Alh. M. Kokori, 2004. Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Adansonia digitata (Linn) on Serum
Electrolyte Levels in Normal and Alcohol Fed Rats. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 7: 1404-1406.
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