International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

ISSN: 2319-7064
ResearchGate Impact Factor (2018): 0.28 | SJIF (2018): 7.426

Anti-diabetic Activity of Viscum album (Guava

Mistletoe) in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats
Bello, M. I1, Wali, W. E2
1, 2
Department of Biochemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album (Guava mistletoe)
and compare its antidiabetic efficacy against the oral antidiabetic drug metformin, using alloxan-induced rat models. Phytochemicals
detected includes alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids. Biochemical analysis
showed a dose-dependent significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of serum glucose in the rats when treated with Viscum album leaf
extract after the induction of diabetic. This observation was vivid when Viscum album treated groups were compared to the diabetic
control and metformin- treated groups. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and
low density lipoproteins that were hitherto elevated before treatment with the leaf extract. A corresponding significant increase in the
levels of high density lipoproteins was observed when compared with the diabetic control group. The plant extract significantly (p<0.05)
lowered the serum activities of marker enzymes: Alanine and Aspartate aminotransferases. Similarly, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in
creatinine and urea levels was observed in the extract and metformin treated groups when compared to the diabetic control group. In
addition, the plant extract attenuated the weight loss observed in diabetic control group. Aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album exhibited
high antidiabetic activity which compares fairly well with metformin and very effective in ameliorating other complications associated
with diabetic mellitus.

Keywords: Viscum album, mistletoe, antidiabetic, dose-dependent, aqueous leaf extract.

1. Introduction laxative--castor oil. In Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and

South Africa, Harpagophytum procumbens is produced as a
Medicinal Plants crude drug for export. Similarly, Hibiscus sabdariffa is
Medicinal plants have formed the basis of healthcare exported from Sudan and Egypt. Other exports are
throughout the world since the earliest days of humanity and Pausinystalia yohimbe from Cameroon, Nigeria and
are still widely used with considerable importance in Rwanda, which yields yohimbine; and Rauwolfia vomitoria,
international trade (Kumar et al., 2011). It is estimated that from Madagascar, Mozambique and Zaire, which is
up to 90% of Africa‟s population still rely exclusively on exploited to yield reserpine and ajmaline (Hoareau and
plants as a source of medicines (Ozougwu, 2011). Effective DaSilva, 1999).
health cannot be achieved in Africa, unless orthodox
medicine is complemented with traditional medicine (Edem, Viscum album (mistletoe) is a semi-parasitic woody
2009). As a consequence, the World Health Organization perennial plant commonly found growing on oaks and other
(WHO) had in one of its charters in Geneva recommended deciduous trees preferring those with soft bark like old apple
further investigation into this area, particularly as it concerns trees, guava, cocoa, citrus and other trees (Ekhaise et al.,
chronic and debilitating diseases such as diabetes mellitus 2011). Viscum album is widely distributed in Africa, Europe,
(Budhwani et al., 2010). northwest Australia, central Asia and Japan. It is small,
dioecious and shrubby, with oblong evergreen leathery
The use of herbal products for medicinal benefits has played entire leaves, clear dichasial branching and four-part flowers
an important role in nearly every culture on earth and for which form white sticky berries with a faint but
many years, the search for anti-diabetic products will characteristic odour and a bitter taste. Mistletoe is
continue to focus on plants and other natural resources. The propagated by birds and is considered a semi parasitic plant
ethnobotanical information reports about 800 plants that because it synthesizes its own chlorophyll but depends on
may possess anti-diabetic potential (Pulipaka et al., 2012). the host for its supply of water and minerals (Loeper, 1999).
The cost of administrating modern anti-diabetic drugs is
beyond the reach of most people in the low income group Viscum album which belongs to the family Loranthaceae is
and those living in the rural areas, hence the use of plants for commonly called „Kauchi‟ in Hausa, „Apari‟ in Igbo,
the treatment of common diseases such as diabetes are very „Afomo‟ in Yoruba (Deeni and Sadiq, 2002), Tuchi and
common (Osinubi et al., 2006). The current shift to the use „Pikko‟ in Wurkun. It represents one of the most mysterious
of herbal preparations could be due to presumed magical and at the same time, sacred plants of the European
effectiveness and less side effects, relatively low cost and folklore (Adodo, 2002). The scientific interest on mistletoe
low toxicity (Nahar et al., 2010). awakened in the 20th century when Gaultier (1907-1910)
investigated the effect of oral applications of fresh Viscum
Africa is a rich source of medicinal plants. Perhaps, the best album extract on the blood pressure of man and animals
known species is Phytolacca dodecandra. Extracts of the (Deeni and Sadiq, 2002).
plant are used as an effective molluscicide to control
schistosomiasis. Other notable examples are Catharanthus Guava (Psidium guajava) on the other hand, is a member of
roseus, which yields anti-tumour agents such as vinblastine the Myrtaceae family, which is native to tropical and
and vinvristine; and Ricinus communis, which yields the subtropical countries. Its fruit is commonly used as food and
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processed as juice and jam. The other common use of alternative means of combating diabetes mellitus in Nigeria,
Psidium guajava is as folk medicine. Aside from these uses, Africa and the world-over (Onoagbe et al., 1999; Pulipaka et
Gutiérrez et al., 2008 have reviewed the potential al., 2012). There are several forms of diabetes mellitus but it
pharmacologic activities of the extract from the fruit, leaf, is often classified into three general categories namely: Type
bark or roots; these activities include antioxidant, I, Type II and gestational diabetes mellitus (Bastaki, 2005).
hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, anti-microbial, anti-
genotoxic, anti-plasmodial, cytotoxic, anti-spasmodic, Type I diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of
cardioactive, anti-cough, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory diabetes (Polonsky, 2012), previously encompassed by the
and anti-nociceptive activities in vitro and/or in animal terms insulin–dependent diabetes (IDDM). Type 1 diabetes,
models (Deguchi and Miyazaki, 2010). or juvenile-onset diabetes, results from cellular-mediated
autoimmune mediated destruction of the beta cells of the
Diabetes Mellitus pancreas by CD4 and CD8 T cells and macrophages
Diabetes was first recognized by the ancient Egyptians, who infiltrating the islets. The peak incidence of this form of
considered it a rare condition associated with excess urine Type 1 diabetes occurs in childhood and adolescence, but
excretion and loss of weight. The term diabetes mellitus, the onset may occur at any age, ranging from childhood to
reflecting the fact that the urine of those affected had a sweet the ninth decade of life. There is a genetic predisposition to
taste, was first used by the Greeks. Diabetes mellitus is autoimmune destruction of beta cells, and it is also related to
derived from the Greek words “dia” (through), and environmental factors that are still poorly defined (Verge et
“bainein” (to go) and diabetes literally means pass through, al., 2006). Obese people are at increased risk of developing
while “mellitus” means “sweet” but there are several rarer this type of diabetes. These patients may also have other
conditions also named diabetes. The most common of these autoimmune disorders such as Graves‟ disease, Hashimoto‟s
is diabetes insipidus (insipidus meaning "without taste" in thyroiditis, and Addison‟s disease (Betterle, 2003).
Latin) in which the urine is not sweet (Polonsky, 2012;
Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007). Type II diabetes is by far the most common form of
diabetes, accounting for 85 to 95% of cases in developed
Diabetes mellitus discovered between 700-200 BD, is one of nations and an even higher percentage in developing nations,
the most common metabolic disorder with micro and macro according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF,
vascular complications that results in significant mortality 2010). Diabetes mellitus of this type previously
and morbidity (Philis-Tsimikas, 2009). Currently, 366 encompassed non– insulin–dependent diabetes mellitus
million have diabetes worldwide with 80% from developing (NIDDM), or adult–onset diabetes. It is a term used for
countries which is likely to increase to 552 million by 2030 individuals who have relative (rather than absolute) insulin
(WHO, 2011). deficiency. Patients with this type of diabetes frequently are
resistant to the action of insulin (Stanley and Kohl, 2010;
The disorder is characterized by symptoms such as thirst, Ajayi et al., 2010). At least initially, and often throughout
polyuria, blurring of vision, and weight loss. It is also their lifetime, these individuals do not need insulin treatment
characterized by lipoprotein abnormalities (Hammadi and to survive (Bastaki, 2005). This form of diabetes is
Nouman, 2009; Tenpe and Yeole, 2009), raised metabolic frequently undiagnosed for many years because the
rate (Newata et al., 2004), hyperglycaemia (high blood hyperglycaemia is often not severe enough to provoke
sugar) (Hammadi and Nouman, 2009), defect in reactive noticeable symptoms of diabetes (Stanley and Kohl, 2010).
oxygen species scavenging enzymes (Edem, 2009). In its Nevertheless, such patients are at increased risk of
most severe forms, ketoacidosis or a non–ketotic developing macrovascular and microvascular complications.
hyperosmolar state may develop and lead to stupor, coma There are probably several different mechanisms which
and, in absence of effective treatment, death. Often result in this form of diabetes, and it is likely that the
symptoms are not severe, or may be absent, and number of people in this category will decrease in the future
consequently hyperglycaemia sufficient to cause as identification of specific pathogenetic processes and
pathological and functional changes may be present for a genetic defects permits better differentiation and a more
long time before the diagnosis is made (Bastaki, 2005). definitive classification with movement into “Other types”
(Stanley and Kohl, 2010).
The effects of diabetes mellitus include long–term damage,
dysfunction and failure of various organs. The long–term Although the specific aetiologies of this form of diabetes are
effects of diabetes mellitus include progressive development not known, by definition autoimmune destruction of the
of the specific complications of retinopathy with potential pancreas does not occur and patients do not have other
blindness, nephropathy that may lead to renal failure, and/or known specific causes of diabetes. Rates for type 2 diabetes
neuropathy with risk of foot ulcers, amputation, Charcot rise sharply with age for both men and women and for
joints, and features of autonomic dysfunction, including members of all racial and ethnic groups. The prevalence of
sexual dysfunction. People with diabetes are at increased diagnosed diabetes is about seven times as high among
risk of cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and adults aged 65 years or older as among those aged 20–44
cerebrovascular diseases (WHO, 1999; Mane et al., 2012). years (CDC, 2012).

The use of orthodox drugs as oral hypoglycaemic agents Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) resembles type 2
such as sulphonyl ureas, biguanides, alpha glucosidase diabetes in several respects, involving a combination of
inhibitors and insulin result to severe hypoglycaemia and relatively inadequate insulin secretion and responsiveness. It
other complications in patients prompting the desire for occurs in about 2%–5% of all pregnancies and may improve
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or disappear after delivery (CDC, 2012). It is characterized Qualitative phytochemicals screening was carried out to
by carbohydrate intolerance resulting in hyperglycaemia of detect the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins,
variable severity with onset or first recognition during alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, quinones,
pregnancy. It does not exclude the possibility that the anthraquinones and phlobatannins as described by Trease
glucose intolerance may antedate pregnancy but has been and Evans (1985) and Sofowora (1993).
previously unrecognized. The definition applies irrespective
of whether or not insulin is used for treatment or the Twenty five (25) male albino Wistar rats weighing
condition persists after pregnancy (Betterle, 2003). approximately 100-120g that were used in this experimental
study were obtained from the animal house of the National
In the early part of pregnancy (e.g. first trimester and first Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State.
half of second trimester) fasting and postprandial glucose They were kept under standard laboratory conditions with
concentrations are normally lower than in normal, non– adequate access to food and water in the laboratory unit of
pregnant women. Elevated fasting or postprandial plasma the Biochemistry department of the university in well
glucose levels at this time in pregnancy may well reflect the ventilated cages. The rats were randomly divided into five
presence of diabetes which has antedated pregnancy, but equal groups containing 5 rats each and were treated
criteria for designating abnormally high glucose accordingly as shown below:
concentrations at this time have not yet been established.
Induction of Diabetes Mellitus
Alloxan The method of Osinubi et al., (2006) was used to induce
Alloxan (2, 4, 5, 6-tetraoxypyrimidine; 2, 4, 5, 6- diabetes in the rats. 80mg/kg body weight of alloxan was
pyrimidinetetrone) was originally isolated in 1818 by administered intraperitoneally to the experimental rats after
Brugnatelli and named in 1838 by Wöhler and Liebig. overnight fast (access to water only). Diabetes mellitus was
"Alloxan" is coined from an amalgamation of the words confirmed using glucose strip and only rats with serum
"allantoin" and oxalic acid. Alloxan is a strong oxidizing glucose levels above 250mg/dl after seven days were used
agent forming a hemiacetal with its reduced reaction product for the experiment.
dialuric acid (in which a Carbonyl group is reduced to a Group 1: Were administered normal diet to serve as normal
Hydroxyl group which is called alloxantin. control.
Group 2: Were administered alloxan (80mg/kg body
Mechanism of Action weight) in addition to normal diet to serve as diabetic
Alloxan is a toxic glucose analogue, which selectively control.
destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (that is beta Group 3: Diabetic rats were administered 200mg/kg body
cells) when administered to rodents and many other animal weight of Viscum album aqueous extract for 21 days.
species. This causes an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus Group 4: Diabetic rats were administered 400mg/kg body
(called "Alloxan Diabetes") in these animals, with weight of Viscum album aqueous extract for 21 days.
characteristics similar to type I diabetes in humans. Alloxan Group 5: Diabetic rats were administered 1.6mg/kg body
is selectively toxic to insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells weight of metformin orally per day to serve as drug control.
because it preferentially accumulates in beta cells through Glucose levels were measured at seven days interval and
uptake via the GLUT2 glucose transporter. Alloxan, in the recorded accordingly before the rats were finally sacrificed
presence of intracellular thiols, generates reactive oxygen at the end of 21 days of the experimental period.
species (ROS) in a cyclic reaction with its reduction product,
dialuric acid. The beta cell toxic action of alloxan is initiated Determination of Body Weight
by free radicals formed in this redox reaction. A study The body weight of each rat in each group at three days
suggests that alloxan does not cause diabetes in humans interval for the period of the experiment was obtained using
while other studies report a significant difference in alloxan a weighing balance. The average weight of each group was
plasma levels in children with and without diabetes Type I taken and recorded carefully.
(Dinz et al., 2008).
Biochemical Analysis
Collection of Plant Material At the end of the experimental period, the animals were
Fresh leaves of Viscum album on guava plant was collected anaesthetised in chloroform vapour, dissected and blood
in Sangere, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa samples collected by cardiac puncture into clean sample
State. The leaf sample was identified and authenticated in bottles. The blood was allowed to clot for few minutes.
the department of Plant science, Modibbo Adama University Serum was obtained by centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for five
of Technology, Yola. minutes using a bench top centrifuge.

The leaves were cleaned and air-dried at room temperature. Serum glucose concentration determination was carried out
The dried leaves were ground into powder and kept in air using the methods describe by Barham and Trinder, (1972).
tight bottle for further analysis. About 200g of the fine Principle of the method:
powder was soaked in 1.5 litres of boiling water with stirring
for 4 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate Glucose is determined after enzymatic oxidation in the
concentrated in a rotary evaporator. This was preserved for presence of glucose oxidase. The hydrogen peroxide formed
further use. reacts, under catalysis of peroxidase, with phenol and 4-
aminophenazone to form a red-violet quinoneimine dye as
indicator.
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Total serum cholesterol concentration determination was dehydrating agent. The final bluish green coloured obtained
carried out using the method described by Trinder, (1969). is read at 570nm.
Cholesterol reacts with concentrated acids as a typical
alcohol to produce coloured substances. In this method,
acetic acid and acetic anhydride are used as solvents and
dehydrating reagents, conc. H2SO4 is employed as a

Determination of triglyceride was carried out according to and Mg2+ ions. A coloured product which absorb well at
the method describe by Trinder (1969) and Nagele et al., 505nm is formed from hydrogen peroxide, 4-
(1984). aminoantipyrine and phenol derivative in the presence of the
peroxidase.
Principle of the method:
Triglyceride in the sample is hydrolysed to glycerol and
fatty acids by lipoprotein lipase. Glycerine is then
phosphorylated by glycerol kinase in the presence of ATP

Principle of the method: Serum creatinine concentration determination was carried

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density out using Jaffe reaction (Barthels and Bohmer, 1971).
Lipoprotein (HDL) are precipitated from serum by the action
of polysaccharides in the presence of divalent cations. Then, Principle of the method
high density cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) present in the Creatinine present in serum or plasma directly reacts with
supernatant is determined. alkaline picrate resulting in the formation of a red colour, the
intensity of which is measured at 505nm/green filter. Protein
HDL = Absorbance of test x 5.43 (multiple factor given by interference is eliminated using sodium lauryl sulphate. A
reagent company). second absorbance reading after acidifying with 30% acetic
acid corrects for non-specific chromogens in the samples.
Serum LDL was determined according to the method of
Wieland and Seidel (1999). The LDL molecules are
cholesterol rich lipoprotein molecules containing only apoB-
100. Most of the LDL particles are derived from VLDL but Principle of the method:
a small part is directly released from the liver. Urea in serum is hydolysed to ammonia in the presence of
urease. The ammonia is then measured photometrically by
LDL (mmol/l) = total cholesterol- (TG/2.2) – HDL Berthelot‟s reaction.

The method of Reitman and Frankel (1957) was used for the 2. Results and Discussion
determination of aspartate and alanine amintransferases.
Principle Qualitative phytochemicals screening of the leaf extract of
V. album revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols,
The enzyme, GPT catalyzes the formation of pyruvate and flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and
glutamate from the reaction between alanine and terpenoids. Saponins and steroids were not detected. The
ketoglutarate. The pyruvate formed now reacts with 2, 4- summary of the result is shown in Table I:
Dinitrophenylhydrazine to form 2, 4-
Dinitrophenylhydrazone to yield the red colour and the
activity of ALT is dependent on the intensity of the colour.

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Table I: Phytochemical components detected in the leaf Key:
extract of Viscum album + = Presence of phytochemical component;
Phytochemicals Inference - = absence of phytochemical component.
Alkaloids +
Saponins - Body Weights
Phenols + The mean body weight of diabetic control group showed a
Flavonoids + significant decrease after the 9th day when compared with
Tannins + normal. The mean body weight of both extract treated and
Anthraquinones + standard drug-treated (metformin) groups however showed a
Glycosides +
significant steady increase after the 6th day of extract
Terpenoids +
administration as shown in the figure below.
Steroids -

Figure I: Effect of V. album leaf extract on the Body Weight of alloxan-induced diabetic rats (g)

The induction of diabetes by alloxan (150mg/kgbwt) showed weekly fasting glucose level was observed with the leaf
a marked rise in fasting blood glucose level in diabetic extract and metformin treated groups when compared to the
control as compared to normal control rats. However, at the diabetic control. A summary of the results is presented in
end of the 21 days long treatment, a significant decrease in Table II below:

Table II: Effects of V. album aqueous leaf extract on Weekly Blood Glucose level
Group Fasting Blood Glucose level (mg/dl)
INITIAL WEEK ONE WEEK TWO WEEK THREE
Normal Control 57.60±6.73 72.00±4.93 55.80±9.18 54.25±1.90
Diabetic control 273.60±11.93* 349.80±28.20* 453.60±6.73* 525.60±17.12*
200mg/kgbwt 280.80±22.48* 230.40±25.07*β 205.20±13.77*β 197.71±2.57*β
400mg/kgbwt 309.60±43.87* 217.80±7.20*β 180.00±5.69*β 155.41±2.65*β
Drug control (Metformin) 295.20±23.88* 203.40±11.94*β 226.80±81.02*β 143.82±0.64*β
Results are expressed asMean±Standard error of mean (S.E.M); n=5
*
Showed a significant increase compared with normal control at P<0.05
β
Showed a significant decrease compared with diabetic control at P< 0.05

Total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein with the extract and metformin significantly attenuated
(LDL) levels were found to be significantly (P<0.05) (P<0.05) the elevated total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL
increased and significant decrease in high density levels and increased the HDL levels in comparison with the
lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels in the diabetic control diabetic control as shown in Table III below:
group in comparison with the normal control. Treatment

Table III: Effects of V. album extract on serum Lipid Profiles of alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Group Serum Lipid Profile
Total cholesterol Triglycerides High Density Lipoprotein Low Density Lipoprotein
(mg/dl) (mg/dl) (mg/dl) (mg/dl)
Normal Control 98.94±1.45 70.32±0.30 53.70±1.04 31.17±0.44
Diabetic control 192.31±1.57* 153.09±1.53* 41.89±0.32 80.84±0.94*
200mg/kgbwt 141.46±2.49*β 99.00±1.23*β 61.33±0.76 *α 60.23±3.11*β
400mg/kgbwt 122.24±2.49*β 81.62±1.46*β 63.30±0.81*α 42.61±1.50*β
Drug control (Metformin) 109.88±0.89*β 73.95±2.15*β 64.18±0.00 *α 30.67±0.53β
Results are expressed asMean± Standard error of mean (S.E.M); n=3
*
Showed a significant increase compared with normal control at P< 0.05

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β
Showed a significant decrease compared with diabetic aberrations in animals including hyperglycemia, decreased
control at P< 0.05 protein content and increased levels of cholesterol and
α
Showed a significant increase compared with diabetic triglycerides (Tenpe et al., 2009).
control at P< 0.05
This study was conducted to evaluate the antidiabetic
Serum levels of creatinine and urea in the diabetic control activity of V. album and compare its antidiabetic efficacy
group showed a significant increase when compared with with metformin, a typical biguanide. Our investigations
the normal control group. However, treatment with the revealed that the intraperitoneally administered of alloxan
extract and metformin showed a dose dependent decrease in (150mg/kg bwt) effectively induced diabetes mellitus in the
serum creatinine and urea in the treated groups when rat models as shown by the significant elevation (P<0.05) in
compared with the diabetic control group as shown in table fasting blood glucose which was reduced in a dose
IV below: dependent manner upon treatment with the extract and the
standard drug, metformin. This is in agreement with earlier
Table IV: Effect of V. album extract on serum levels of reports (Edem, 2009; Qamar et al., 2011). It was also
Creatinine and Urea observed that the antidiabetic effects of V. album leaf extract
Group
Biochemical Parameters
Urea (mg/dl)
compares fairly well with that of metformin which itself
Creatinine (mg/dl) compares well with normal control. The significant
Normal control 0.65±0.03 21.87±0.52 antidiabetic activity of V. album may be due to the inhibition
Diabetic control 2.21±0.05* 70.08±0.65* of free radical generation and subsequent tissue damage
200mg/kgbwt 1.36±0.16*β 31.36±2.15*β induced by alloxan or potentiating plasma insulin effect by
400mg/kgbwt 1.58±0.03*β 26.92±0.62*β increasing either pancreatic secretion of insulin from
Drug control
1.45±0.10*β 25.37±0.67*β existing beta cells or its release from bound form as
(Metformin)
indicated by significant improvement in glucose level
Results are expressed asMean± Standard error of mean
because insulin inhibit gluconeogenesis from protein (Nahar
(S.E.M); n=3
* et al., 2010). In addition, several studies have shown that
Significantly increased when compared with normal to
phytoconstituents like alkaloids inhibit alpha-glucosidase
normal control at P<0.05
β and decrease glucose transport through the intestinal
Significantly decreased when compared with diabetic
epithelium. Flavonoids suppress the glucose level, reduce
control at P< 0.05
plasma cholesterol and triglycerides significantly and
increase hepatic glucokinase activity probably by enhancing
A significant elevation of ALT and AST activities was
the insulin release from pancreatic islets (Bhushan, et. al.,
observed in the diabetic control group when compared with
2010). These phytochemicals were detected in the leaf
the normal control. On the other hand, the activities of AST
extract of V. album.
and ALT in all the treatment groups significantly decreased
when compared with the diabetic control group. This is
Furthermore, our findings agrees with the work of Dave and
presented in table V below:
Katyare 2002; in that, a significant steady increase in the
body weight of the alloxan-induced diabetic rats was
Table V: Effect of V. album extract on serum ALT and AST
observed after the second week of treatment with V. album
activities
leaf extract. Viscum album per se had no effect on body
Biochemical Parameters
Group AST (U/I) weight but attenuated the weight loss observed in alloxan-
ALT (U/I)
Normal Control 28.50±1.89 31.00±7.64 induced diabetic rats as shown in figure I.
Diabetic control 42.33±0.67* 56.67±2.33*
200mg/kgbwt 34.00±2.89*β 35.00±6.11*β Macrovascular complications engendered by altered
400mg/kgbwt 37.33±1.67*β 31.33±2.60β lipoprotein metabolism are often evident in diabetes
Drug control mellitus. This was observed in this study, as diabetic rats
34.20±2.89*β 31.33±2.60β
(Metformin) showed hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridaemia and
Results are expressed as Mean± Standard error of mean the treatment with plant extract and metformin significantly
(S.E.M); n=3 decreased (p<0.05) both cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
β
Significantly decreased when compared with diabetic This implies that aqueous extract of V. album leaf extract
control at P< 0.05 and the standard drug can prevent or be helpful in reducing
*
Significantly increased when compared with normal control the complications of lipid profile seen in some diabetics in
at P<0.05 whom hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolemia coexist
quite often. Similar results were reported by Jarald et al.,
In this study, alloxan was used as diabetogenic agent in the 2009 and Atangwho et al., 2010.
experimental animals. Alloxan is known for its selective
pancreatic islet β – cell cytotoxicity and has been Kidney function indicators, urea and creatinine were
extensively used to induce diabetes mellitus in animals apart assessed to compare the effects of the two treatments on
from streptozotocin (Ozougwu, 2011). It induces diabetes by kidney function of the test animals. The treatments
the destruction of β-cells of the islets of langerhans via ameliorated/modulated the potential risk diabetes posed to
generation of O2-, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals the kidneys such as decreased urea levels, which rose in the
resulting in a decrease in endogenous insulin release, which untreated diabetic group. These results were consistent with
paves the ways for the decreased utilization of glucose by earlier reports by Shahaboddin et al., 2011.
the tissues. Insulin deficiency leads to various metabolic
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The present study also evaluated serum markers of African mistletoe Tapinanthus dodoneifolius(DC)
hepatotoxicity : – AST and ALT. Diabetic control rats Danser) loranthaceae; An ethnomedicinal plant of
showed significantly elevated (p<0.05) enzyme activities in Hausaland, Northern J. Ethnopharmocol. 83: 235-240.
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