Hepatic Enzymatic Activities of Di-Herbal Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium on Liver Dysfunction in Experimental Hyperglycemic Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the hepatic enzymatic activities of di-herbal aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium on liver dysfunction in experimental hyperglycemic rats. The animals were randomly assigned into; Group 1 – control, Group 2 – hyperglycemic control (diabetes induced and untreated), Group 3 – received 300 mg/kg of O. gratissimum extract, Group 4 – received 300 mg/kg of G. latifolium extract, Group 5 – received di-herbal extract of 150 mg/kg of O. gratissimum and 150 mg/kg of G. latifolium for 28 days. The results showed that experimental hyperglycemia induced liver damage in group 2 was associated with significant (p<0.05) increase in hepatic enzymes such as gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as total bilirubin on comparison with control group 1. Administration of the individual plants O. gratissimum (300 mg/kg), G. latifolium (300 mg/kg) and di-herbal combination of both plants 150 mg/kg each ameliorated liver damage by significantly decreasing (p<0.05) hepatic enzymes and total bilirubin when compared to the hyperglycemic untreated (group 2). Furthermore, administration of the extracts significantly reduced the weekly glucose levels when compared to the group 2 (hyperglycemic untreated). Di-herbal aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum and G. latifolium showed a more efficacy than the use of the individual plants on liver dysfunction in hyperglycemic rats. Thus, forming basis for inclusion of di-herbal aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum and G. latifolium as possible therapeutics for hyperglycemic-induced liver damage.