Abstract

CACTUS AQUEOUS EXTRACT AND ANTI-DIABETIC: HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT IN DIABETIC MALE WISTAR RAT

Uthman Ademola Yusuf*, Kalipenta Wandi, Francine Kafula, Kalande Kaimba, Kabwe Hellen, Warren Chanda, Christopher Newton Phiri, Sam Beza Phiri, Michelo Miyoba, Wilson Zimba, Aminat Adejoke Yusuf, John Mulemena And Kingsley M Kamvuma

ABSTRACT

Most people across the world tend to use natural plants for the treatment of diabetes mellitus that are foods, herbs and spices because they are cheap. Cactus extract is one amongst the plants used and consists of vitamins, proteins, beta-carotene, flavonoids, antioxidants, polyphenols. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of cactus extract on the relative liver weight, body weight and blood glucose level and histoarchitecture of liver in a 60mg/kg body weight streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats. This was a quantitative experimental study involving 30 male Wistar rats that were divided into five groups as follows: Group A normal control; group B diabetic Control; group C diabetic receiving cactus 100mg/kg body weight, group D)Diabetic receiving metformin 100mg/kg body weight and group E control group receiving cactus extract only. In the results, the body weight of Group C and D were statistically significant when compared to the group B P0.05. The histoarchitecture of the liver was maintained in group C and D where there were healthy and few necrotic hepatocytes present, the PAS demonstrated a bit of positive reaction and showed a little deposition of collagen. Based on these findings, the aqueous extract of cactus showed the improvement in the histoarchitecture of the liver of streptozotocin induced Diabetes mellitus in male Wistar rats.

Keywords: liver; Metformin; Wistar rat; Cactus; Diabetic.