Anti - Diabetic Properties and Toxicological Studies of <I> Triplochiton scleroxylon</I> on the Liver Enzymes in Normal and Streptozotocin - induced Diabetic Rabbits

This study investigates the activities of liver function enzymes viz. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), following the administration of Triplochiton scleroxylon to normal and streptozotocin - induced diabetic rabbits. Rabbits (New Zealand strains) used weighed between 1.45 to 1.95kg. Experimental diabetes was induced in rabbits by intra - peritoneal injection of streptozotocin at the dose of 70mg/kg body weight. Blood for analyses was collected intravenously from the large veins at the back of the ears of the rabbits. Analysis of results showed that glucose concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on the 13th day in normal rabbits whilst in streptozotocin - induced diabetic rabbits significant decreases were observed on the 12th, 24th and 28th days following the administration of the extracts. However, the aqueous bark extract of this herb did not have significant effects (P > 0.05) on the activities of liver function enzymes investigated in normal and streptozotocin - induced diabetic rabbits. The aqueous bark extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon may therefore be safe for and useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and may not contain chemicals capable of damaging the liver and interfering adversely with its central roles in metabolism.