Hepatic- and Renal protective Effects of Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple) Fruit-Skin Supplementation on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Chrysophyllum albidum commonly called African star apple, has been reported for its antidiabetic potential but its effect on liver and kidney functions in diabetic rats has not been well investigated. This study investigated effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit-skin (CAFS) supplemented diet on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced intraperitonealy at a single dose of 50mg/kg bw of Streptozotocin (STZ). Forty male Wistar rats weighing averagely 170g were randomly divided into four groups of ten rats each; Group 1-Normal control, Group 2-Diabetic control, Group 3-Diabetic rats treated Glibenclamide, Group 4-Diabetic rats treated 70g/kg CAFS supplemented diet. After four weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Liver function biomarkers (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) activities, kidney function biomarkers (Creatinine and Urea), electrolyte ions (K + , Na + , HCO3and Cl-), total protein and bilirubin levels were measured in the plasma. The diabetic control exhibited hepato-renal dysfunction with significant (p<0.05) increase in the liver marker enzymes' activities, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea concentrations while decreasing total protein, albumin and electrolyte ions levels compared with normal control group. Treatment with CAFS supplemented diet significantly (p<0.05) enhanced liver and kidney recovery by reducing the elevated activities of liver marker enzymes, reversed the increments in creatinine, urea and total bilirubin while increasing the concentration of total protein and restoring electrolyte ions concentrations to near normal values. CAFS supplemented diet has hepatic-and renal protective effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats. Thus, CAFS could be considered as therapeutic agent against the progression of diabetes complications.