Magnesium Enhances the Hepatorenal Protective Effects of <i>Lippia multiflora</i> Aqueous Leaves Extract in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract of Lippia multiflora supplemented with magnesium on some biochemical markers of the kidneys and liver in type 2 diabetic rats. Method: 7 groups of 4 STZ-diabetic rats received separately orally Glucophage ® (Glu 10 mg/kg), the plant extract (LiMAE 200 -600 mg/kg) and the plant extract supplemented with magnesium (LiMAE-Mg 200 -600 mg/kg). After a daily treatment of 21 days, serum biochemical parameters were assayed in 16 hr-fasted rats. Results: Diabetes caused a significant (p < 0.0001) elevation of urea, creatinine, ALT and AST. Treatment of diabetic rats with plant extracts (LiMAE and LiMAE-Mg) and Glucophage significantly restored levels of these biochemical markers at p < 0.0001. However, the restoration induced by LiMAE-Mg was greater than those of LiMAE and Glucocophage, a reference antidiabetic. Conclusion: The addition of magnesium to the extract of Lippia multiflora caused a greater reduction in the levels of urea, creatinine, ALT and AST increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Magnesium would therefore enhance the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Lippia multiflora in diabetic rats.