Effect of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera on Some Liver Parameters in Alloxan – Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: To assess the effect of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera on some liver function parameters in Alloxan – induced diabetic rats.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Biochemistry and Histology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, between September 2014 and September 2016.

Methodology: Thirty (30) rats weighing between 180- 200g/kg body weight was divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1 is the control group, received normal diet. Group 2 is the diabetic group, received Alloxan (150mg/kg body weight) and not treated with plant extract. Group 3 received Alloxan and treated with only one plant extract (VA). Group 4 received Alloxan and treated with only one plant extract (MO). Group 5 received Alloxan and treated with combined plant extracts of (VA and MO). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and histology of the liver analyzed after 28 days treatment.

Results: Results showed that there was significant increase in glucose levels of the rats in the group 2 (diabetes induced group). More so, the VA plant extract reduced the levels of glucose, ALT, AST and ALP in group 3. There was also a significant reduction in glucose, levels, ALT, AST and ALP in group 4. The combined therapy of aqueous plant extracts of VA and MO much more reduced the levels of glucose, ALT, AST and ALP in group 5 when compared with the diabetic group. The results were confirmed by histological studies which revealed marked distortions and degenerations of hepatic and renal tissues in the diabetic group and significant reduction and amelioration of the disorders in Alloxan + VA group, Alloxan + MO group, and Alloxan + VA + MO group.

Conclusion: The combined therapy of plant extracts of VA and MO had synergistic effects on hepatic tissues in diabetes and could provide a cheap alternative to treating diabetes associated hepatic disorders.