Hepatoprotective Role of Aqueous Extract of Kasni Seeds in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, leading to various systemic complications, including liver damage. Traditional antidiabetic drugs are often associated with adverse effects, prompting interest in safer, natural alternatives like Kasni (Cichorium intybus) seeds, known for their hepatoprotective properties.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Kasni seed aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.Methods: Thirty-two male albino mice were divided into three groups: control, metformin-treated, and Kasni-treated. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). The Kasni-treated group received 400 mg/kg of Kasni extract orally for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were monitored, and liver tissues were analyzed histologically to assess hepatocyte arrangement, central vein morphology, sinusoidal inflammation, and fatty globule presence.Results: The Kasni-treated group showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels (140.2 ± 8.7 mg/dL) compared to the metformin group (180.4 ± 10.5 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed restored hepatocyte arrangement, reduced fatty globules, and normalized central vein morphology in the Kasni-treated group.Conclusion: Kasni seed aqueous extract exhibits significant hepatoprotective effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing liver complications in diabetes.