Antidiabetic potentials of herbal content of 1960 drink and effect on liver enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Most herbal formulation are preserved and served in alcohol concentrations now named bitters. Whether the resultant effect is herbal dependent or alcoholic, remains an issue of concern. The aim of this study therefore, was to find out the effect of 1960 herbal alcoholic consumption on blood glucose level, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum liver enzymes levels. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing between 180g-300g were randomly selected into four groups containing five rats each. Group 1(Control) received normal rat feed and water. Group 2 (Diabetic untreated) received intraperitoneal injection of 60mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. Group 3 (Diabetic treated) group received 3mg/kg body weight of 1960 herbal drink extract while Group 4 received 3mg/kg body weight of 1960 herbal drink extract only. Treatment lasted for 28 days. Phytochemical study of 1960 drink revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoid, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. There was a significant (p<0.01) decrease in G6PD, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the diabetics. The 1960 herbal alcoholic drink significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose level, serum AST, ALT and ALP and increased albumin concentration and body weight when compared with the non-diabetic groups. The spectrum of alterations from these results is an indication that 1960 herbal drink contains hypoglycemic agents which enhances its antidiabetic effect and protects the functional integrity of the liver.

Keywords: Hyperglycemia, streptozotocin, 1960 herbal drink, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, liver enzymes