Influence of Aqueous Extracts of Nauclea latifolia on Serum Biomarker Enzymes of Liver Injury and Serum Electrolytes in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats

Ochalefu, Dickson Owoicho; Adoga, Godwin Ichekanu; Luka, Carrol Domkat; Abu, Adakole Hyacinth; Myke-Mbata, Blessing Kenechi; Mfaga, Iorhemba Cyprian

Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry, Vol. 19 No. 3 2023, pp. 178-186 ISSN 1997-0838
Original Text Copyright (cc) 2023 by Ochalefu, Adoga, Luka, Abu, Myke-Mbata and Mfaga

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Influence of Aqueous Extracts of Nauclea latifolia on Serum Biomarker Enzymes of Liver Injury and Serum Electrolytes in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats

Dickson Owoicho Ochalefu ¹, Godwin Ichekanu Adoga ², Carrol Domkat Luka ², Adakole Hyacinth Abu ³, Blessing Kenechi Myke-Mbata ⁴ and Iorhemba Cyprian Mfaga ¹

¹ Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
² Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
³ Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.

*E-Mail: dickochalefu@gmail.com

Received April 9, 2023

Background. The management of diabetes mellitus and its complications is increasingly becoming difficult as new type and subtypes are being discovered. There is, therefore, a continuous search for more effective drug agents for its management. In this work the aqueous extracts of leaves, stem-bark and root-bark of Nauclea latifolia were investigated for their effects on serum liver enzymes and serum electrolytes in streptozotocin- induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were determined using assay kits (Randox laboratories, LTD, UK). Alkaline phosphatase level was estimated using kits from Teco Diagnostic Anaheim, United States of America. The electrolytes were analysed using Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Automated Analyser Machine (SFRI, 3000 model).

Results. The results showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase by the Nauclea latifolia extracts. The diabetic rats treated with aqueous extracts of Nauclea latifolia had their sodium and potassium levels reduced non- significantly when compared with the diabetic control rats.

Conclusion. This plant demonstrates a potential for being used in clinical medicine for the management of abnormally high levels of serum liver enzymes in diabetic patients.

Key words: Nauclea latifolia, Extracts, Liver enzymes, Electrolytes