Hepato and Nephro-protective Potentials of Gongronema latifolium in Streptozotocin Induced diabetic Rat Model

Abstract

Gongronema latifolium (GL) is reported to have hepato-protective and nephron-protective ability. Diabetes is associated with liver and kidney damage. This work was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on liver and kidney functions in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 40 Wistar rats of both sexes (150g-200g) were divided into five (n=8). Group 1- normal control (received normal saline placebo orally). Group 2 received 200mg/kg GL orally. Group 3 was the diabetic group administered 65mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally for two consecutive days with an interval of one day in between. Group 4 (diabetic + GL group) had STZ (65mg/kg i.p.) + oral administration of 200mg/kg GL. Group 5 was the diabetic group treated with insulin subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture to assess Liver enzymes activity, Serum electrolytes biomarkers, Urea and Creatinine. The Result shows a significant (P<0.05) increase in the glucose level of the diabetic group compared to the control. Intervention with GL and insulin significantly reduced the glucose level towards normal. The liver enzymes activity was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the diabetic group but was significantly (p<0.01) decreased following treatment with GL and insulin. Sodium, potassium, chloride, urea and creatinine were significantly (p<0.01) increased in the diabetic group with a decrease in bicarbonate. GL and insulin significantly (p<0.01) reversed these changes in electrolytes and liver enzymes activity towards normal. Results presented shows that GL just like insulin possess hypoglycemic, nephro and hepato-protective potential. Thus, in diabetic condition, Gongronema latifolium leaf extract may exert ameliorative effect on these target organs.
 Keywords: Gongronema Latifolium, Diabetes, insulin, serum electrolytes, liver enzymes, rats.