Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Hepatoprotective and Renoprotective Potentials of the Aqueous Extract of Bixa orellana on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Vinutha R Bhat, Yousef Rezaei Chianeh, Padmanabha Udupa, Anushree U and Samreen Sheikh

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Bixa orellana on the liver enzymes such as AST, ALT and ALP and also to evaluate the efficacy of the extract for the protection of the renal function in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Diabetes was induced by administering streptozotocin dissolved in saline while the normal control group was given propylene glycol. Diabetes induced animals were randomly assigned into different groups. Blood samples were collected from all the control and experimental group. Estimation of urea, uric acid and creatinine as well as the liver enzymes such as AST, ALT and ALP were assayed. These estimations were carried out on day 30 only.
Results: The 30 days treatment with the aqueous extract (200 mg/kg body weight) showed no statistical significance with respect to urea and uric acid but there was statistical significance in the levels of creatinine which is an indicator of glomerular filtration rate. The alteration in the levels of ALT and ALP were highly significant statistically but no changes observed in the level of AST. Conclusion: The employed dose of the extract is nontoxic to the kidney and it even caused a significant decrease in level of liver enzymes when diabetic induced rat subjected to treatment hence this may indicate the hepatoprotective properties of this extract.