Protective Effect of Cynodon dactylon Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin Diabetes Induced Liver Damage in Rats – Histological Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Cynodon dactylon aqueous extract (500mg/kg) in the liver tissue of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Thirty male albino wistar rats were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45mg/kg). Cynodon dactylon aqueous extract were administered via oral gavage (500mg/kg) for 45 days. Liver damage caused by diabetes was evaluated by an increase in the levels of intracellular hepatic enzymes activity. Histopathological observation showed marked disturbance in the hepatic cellular structure, when compared to normal control liver sections. Treatment with aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon significantly (p 0.001) reduced the levels of serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase and also showed demonstrable histopathological changes. The observed histopathological changes correlated with the biochemical results, confirmed the protective effect of liver tissue in streptozotocin diabetes induced liver damage in Wistar rats.