Hepatic, Pancreatic, and Renal Histo-Morphologic Alterations in Administration of Aqueous and Ethanol Seed Extract of Buchholzia Coriacea in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Physiologically, Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells to absorb glucose (sugar) so it can be used as a source of energy. In diabetics however, due to pancreatic production of insufficient amounts of insulin or failure of body’s cells to respond to available insulin, blood and urine glucose levels build up to cause excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and problems with fat and protein break down. Recently, medicinal herbs have been implicated in traditional medical practice for the treatment of this ailment (Diabetes Mellitus, DM). Present study sought to investigate the effect(s) of oral administration of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Buchholzia Coriacea on the liver, pancreas and kidney in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Forty adult rats of both sexes were randomly assigned into two groups (normoglycemic and hyperglycemic). While group 1 (normoglycemic) had normal control, metformin, aqueous extract (250 mg/kg) and ethanol extract (250 mg/kg) treated sub-groups respectively, Group 2 (hyperglycemic) contained the diabetic control, metformin, aqueous extract (250 mg/kg), and ethanol extracted (250 mg/kg) treated sub-groups dosed daily by oral gavage for 14 days. At the end of treatment, rats were euthanized via cervical dislocation; with selected visceral (liver, pancreas and kidney) harvested and observed for histo-architectural changes. Blood samples were also collected and checked for sugar levels. Slight modulations were seen in the histo- morphology of the pancreas, liver and renal tissues as Buccholzia Coriacea apparently posed some hypoglycemic effects. Hitherto, there was an appreciable improvement and merit in the use of the extract in the management of diabetes across groups.