PROJECT CODE: 000017

EFFECT OF BITTER LEAVE AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON SERUM AND LIVER,

ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST), ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE
(ALT) AND TOTAL PROTEIN LEVELS IN ALLOXEN –INDUCED DIABETIC
RATS

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ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine the anti-diabetic effect of bitter
leaves extract on serum glucose level, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and total protein levels in the
serum and liver of alloxan-monohydrate induced diabetic rats. A total
number of 12 rats weight between 100-250g were used for the study. Rats
were injected with alloxan at the dose of 150 mg/kg body weight and the
aqueous extract of bitter leave was administered orally at 200mg/kg bwt
three times per week 21 days. Three (3) groups were used. Group A (Normal
control), Group B (Diabetic control) and Group C (Alloxan + bitter leave
extract). Increased in blood glucose level was observed in diabetic control
when compared with normal tested using the glucometer. It was observed
that the group of animals administered with Vernonia amygdalina extract
showed a significant decrease in the blood glucose level compared to the
diabetic control. Diabetic control rats had a significantly (P<0.05) higher AST
and ALT activity in the serum and liver (45.13 ± 9.32 u/l; 54.15± 1.67 u/l) and
(57.88± 1.18 u/l; 62.38±7.72 u/l) when compared with normal control
(22.13± 7.79 u/l; 34.25±2.96 u/l) and (30.00± 4.55 u/l; 45.25±1.71 u/l).
Treatment of the diabetic rats with bitter leave extract showed significant
decreased in AST and ALT activity in the serum and liver (34.13± 3.18 u/l;
42.3± 2.71 u/l) and (39.75± 6.13 u/l; 32.50± 2.65 u/l) respectively when
compared to diabetic control (45.13 ± 9.32 u/l ; 54.15± 1.67 u/l) and (57.88±
1.18 u/l; 62.38±7.72 u/l). The administration of bitter leave extract to the
diabetic rats there were significantly increased total protein level (10.66±
2.84 mg/dl; 12.52± 4.72 mg/dl in the serum and liver when compared to
diabetic control (5.06± 1.60 mg/dl; 8.52±3.16 mg/dl). From the results of this
study bitter leaf extract helps to protect the liver against damage associated
with diabetes.

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CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease affecting a lot

of people (Tabesh et al., 2013). More than 10% of deaths are

attributable to diabetes mellitus and its related complications in

patients over 35 years old. Sustained hyperglycemia can damage the

liver, kidneys, nerves, heart and eyes (Dash et al., 2013).

Macrovascular (atherosclerotic) and microvascular (nephropathy

and retinopathy) disorders are the leading causes of morbidity and

mortality in diabetic patients (Dash et al., 2013). Oxidative stress

functions on both sides, meaning that it help the progression and the

development of diabetes and its complications (Ha and Lee, 2000).

In the study of Ha et al, it was shown that oxidative stress is one of

the important mediators of vascular complications in diabetes

including nephropathy. High glucose produces reactive oxygen

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species as a result of glucose auto-oxidation, metabolism, and the

development of advanced glycosylation end products (Ha and Lee,

2000).

Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), also known as

serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), is a tissue enzyme

that catalyzes the exchange of amino and keto groups between alpha

amino acids and alpha-keto acids. AST is widely distributed in

tissue principally cardiac, hepatic, muscle and kidney. Aspartate

aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are

found in many body tissues include the heart, muscle, kidney brain

and lung .it is also present in the liver. When body tissue or an organ

such as the heart or an organ such the heart or liver is damage, these

enzymes are released into the blood is directly related to the extent

of the tissue damage (George et al., 2011). When certain cell are

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damaged, they may leak enzymes into the blood, where, they can be

measured as indicator of cell damage (Prat and Kaplan, 2000).

Low total protein levels can suggest a liver disorder, a kidney

disorder, or a disorder in which protein is not digested or absorbed

properly. Low levels may be seen in severe malnutrition and with

conditions that cause malabsorption, such as Celiac disease or

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Nelson and Cox, 2005).

Vernonia amygdalina is commonly called bitter leaf because

of its bitter taste. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and a small

ever-green shrub that grows all over Africa. It is reported to be a

medicinal plant for diabetes and fever (Crellin et al., 1989). Bitter

herbs are reportedly good for the body as they help tone the vital

organs of the body like the kidney and liver. Ethnomedically, the

leaves are consumed either as a vegetable (macerated leaves in

soup) or aqueous extracts as tonics for the treatment of various

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illnesses (Igile et al., 1995). In the wild, chimpanzees have been

observed to ingest the leaves when suffering from parasitic

infections.

V. amygdalina extracts have also been reported to help

suppress, delay, or kill cancerous cells. The biochemical assessment

of bitter leaf extract in the management of conditions like diabetes

and obesity has been reported by Imaga and Bamigbetan (2013).

Bitter leaves have been reported to be used ethnomedically to

manage these conditions (Imaga and Bamigbetan, 2013).

1.1 Aim the study

The aim of the study was to determine the anti-diabetic effect

of bitter leaves extract on AST, ALT activities and total protein in

the serum and liver of alloxan-monohydrate induced diabetic rats.

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