Role of ethanol leaf extracts of Ficus glumosa on fasting blood glucose and liver function test results of diabetes treated rats

Abstract

In Africa many plants and plant products are used traditionally for the managements of diabetes mellitus or its complication. But, science based evidence on some of this product safety need to be establish. We determine the effect of the Ethanol leaves extract of Ficus glumosa on fasting blood glucose level and liver enzymes of diabetes (DM) treated rats. Thirty (30) adult rats weighing (190 – 220) grams of about 8 to 10 weeks of age were used for this study in the month of December, 2014. The animals were randomly divided into six groups (n= 6/group) and DM was induced using single dose of streptozotocin 65mg/kg intraperitoneal (ip). Group 6 served as the control group receiving normal saline (5ml/kg) alone via intra-peritoneal route (ip), Group 1 (positive control), 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with the following for 7 days. Normal saline 5ml/kg, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Ficus glumosa ethanol leaves extract respectively via ip while Group V received insulin 6 iu/kg. Fasting blood sugar levels were measured at one day intervals for 7 days. Rats were sacrifice for the Serum liver enzymes and liver tissue for th analysis on the 7 day. The 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Ethanol leave extract of Ficus glumosa significantly lowered fasting blood glucose level and 400mg/kg show elevation in liver enzymes and reveal altered hepatocyte architecture (interphase hepatitis) compared with the control group 6 and lower dosage treatment group (2 and 3). The results of these study reveal that Ficus glumosa possesses hypoglycemic effect and at higher dose of 400mg/kg/day have effect on liver enzymes in diabetes rat.