Hepatoprotective effects of Amaranthus tricolor Linn.extracts on the alloxan diabetic rat (Rattus norwegicus)

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of Amaranthus tricolor on some hepatic enzyme activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The serum levels of glucose, total protein, and bilirubin were significantly increased in alloxan diabetic rats as compared to control rats. A significant increase (p less than equal to 0.05) in the activities of transaminases, i.e. - aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in the serum of alloxan diabetic rats was noted, whereas the activities of the same enzymes decreased in the hepatic tissue as compared to the control rats. Daily oral administration of A. tricolor aqueous and methanolic extracts (400 mg/kg body weight) for a seven day period significantly restored the disturbed enzyme activity to their normal levels. The serum total protein was also normalized and an improvement in body weight was seen in the extract fed rats when compared with the diabetic control group. The present study shows that A. tricolor besides its potent antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, upon regular consumption, may consequently alleviate or mitigate liver damage caused by diabetes.